Bristol Bears is a rugby union club in Bristol, England. Its men's team is scheduled to play in the 2026/27 Gallagher PREM season. The club also has a women's team, an academy, the Bears Foundation and a community programme.
History
The club was formed in 1888, when members of the local club Carlton invited two of their rivals, Redland Park and Westbury Park, to join them in forming a representative city club. Its first match was played against Cardiff at Cardiff Arms Park on 6 October 1888.
The club's style of play became known as "Bristol Fashion" rugby. The club was later rebranded as Bristol Bears.
Honours
Men's honours by the club's count:
- British and Irish Cup winners: 2010/11
- European Challenge Cup winners: 2019/20
Ground
The club's postal address is Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol BS3 2EJ.
Women's team
The women's team's stadium is Ashton Gate. By one count, its ground is Shaftesbury Park, Frenchay Park Road, Winterbourne, Bristol BS16 1LG.
Teams and training
The club's teams are the men's first team, the women's team and the academy. It also runs the Bears Foundation and community programmes. The club asks players seeking a trial not to send requests online, as it cannot respond to them by email.
Women's team
The women's team plays as Bristol Bears Women. It is scheduled to play in the 2026/27 season of Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR).
Club life
Women's team
The team plays at home in navy and red, and away in white.