"It's a historical weekend" – Pat Lam ahead of Bristol Bears clashes with Bath and an Australian XV
11/08/2024 06:23 AM
Pat Lam described his logistical challenge; selecting two squads to represent Bristol Bears this weekend, with the West Country side facing both an Australia XV and Bath. The unprecedented weekend is not the first time the Bears have hosted international pedigree opposition, having previously welcomed South Africa and a star-studded Crusaders team to Ashton Gate.
Bristol also travel to the Rec where they will face local rivals Bath in the Premiership Rugby Cup after racking up an impressive score against Bedford Blues in the last round of the competition.
"It's historic. It's brilliant that we are able to host international teams in Bristol giving our players that chance to step up to the next level" said the Bristol boss.
Despite losing to the Crusaders, Bristol were able to defeat South Africa 26-18 in front of more than 26,000 on the last occasion that they faced an international side.
After that game, Lam was pleased that his Bears team were given the chance to learn from a side who have had lots of exposure to the higher level and hopes for a similar outcome this weekend.
He said: "In preparation for the game this week, we have had one group train against the other which has been great for the growth of our squad as a whole and the chance to play Australia gives those with international aspirations a taste of things to come."
"We also mentioned our game against Bath at the Principality Stadium this week as that will give guys a chance to play at a huge stadium which will be another brilliant experience.
"For a lot of them, experience is everything, whether that's home, away or different games, it is great for them to get that chance to grow as rugby players which, overall, will benefit us."
Bears winger, Gabriel Ibitoye, will be one of those players with ambitions to play at the higher level after receiving two positive pieces of news this week.
Ibitoye, who came through the Harlequins academy, was awarded October's Gallagher Premiership Player of the Month after stellar performances against Bath, Exeter Chiefs, Saracens and Northampton Saints.
Reflecting on his performances in the early stages of this season, Lam said: "He's having a really great season and we are really proud of him, it is great that all of the unseen work that he does is coming to fruition.
"We challenged him to improve under the high ball and stop making mistakes defensively, which he has put into practice so consistently this year making all the other stuff he has done look even better."
The winger was also named in the England A squad alongside teammates Gabriel Oghre and Joe Batley, with the trio all named in the squad to face the Australian XV on Friday evening for Bristol.
Lam said: "Its great to see these three boys be able to represent themselves, their families and all of us at Bristol Bears on the international stage. All of them have been rewarded for not only their form as individuals but also the impact that they have had on the wider team so we are very pleased.
"It's a good marker for everybody to understand that if you want to play at that level, you need to keep playing well for your club.
"They key message to the rest of the squad is keep putting in good performances for the Bears and then you will get recognised."
After battling with Australia on Friday night, Bristol travel to the Rec for round two of the Premiership Rugby Cup on Saturday afternoon.
In the first round of the competition, both sides in Group D recorded significant victories over Championship opposition with the Bears defeating Bedford 67-19 and Bath winning 73-0 away at Ampthill.
As a result both sides will be gunning for victory, looking to top the pool, with the added factor of it being the second West Country derby between the teams this season.
Ahead of the match, Lam said: "It is always a special fixture and that's why there is always a lot of excitement around the squad, particularly for the older players but also for those Bristolians who are in to get a chance.
"We have got 18 homegrown academy players, with nine from Bristol in the match day 23 for Bath and I think for some of them it is going to be their first opportunity to play in a derby game, for that we are buzzing."
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Among those past and present academy players is Peter Paramore, who was released from the under 18's academy two years ago, but has been brought back in as a guest player for this weekend.
Son of Gloucester legend, Junior Paramore, P Paramore will add lots of power into the Bears engine room when he starts in the number five jersey.
Lam said: "He is someone that we have kept an eye on ever since he left the under 18 program and he has come and trained with us in the holidays.
"We liked what we saw of him when he showed his size and he is exciting, the game on Saturday will be a great opportunity for him."
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