Preview – Bristol Bears 2021/22
Bristol Bears 2021/22 Depth Chart
“Pre-season has been challenging, it’s been tough, but it’s been rewarding. We haven’t had a lot of new players come in so most of the squad were also here last year.”
-
RT @BristolBearsW: 🔙 with a bang 💥 Checking in with @SarahLily2468 ahead of clash 🆚 Chiefs ✖️ Who's looking forward to this weekend? 🙋♀️… -
RT @BristolBearsW: 🔙 with a bang 💥 Checking in with @SarahLily2468 ahead of clash 🆚 Chiefs ✖️ Who's looking forward to this weekend? 🙋♀️… -
RT @BristolBearsW: 🔙 with a bang 💥 Checking in with @SarahLily2468 ahead of clash 🆚 Chiefs ✖️ Who's looking forward to this weekend? 🙋♀️…
Season Expectation: 2nd
Key Signings: Tom Whiteley
The West Country club seemed all set for its first Premiership Final after just 29 minutes of their semi-final but we all know what occurred in the remaining 100 minutes. Whilst Bristolians will be reminiscing on what could have been after a spectacular season, they know that the side will be competitive once again. However, I do truly wonder whether last year was a golden chance gone begging.
Their offseason has not been subpar per say but they have lost key players such as Max Malins and Ben Earl who depart after their loan spells from Saracens, the Ashton Gate faithful will know just how instrumental the pair were to their success last year. Another less flashy but equally important loss has been the departure of Siale Piutau. Whilst less spectacular a player than the stars surrounding him in the 12 jersey, the stability and defensive ability he brought will certainly be missed. The emotional tribute that the Bristol players paid to Siale at the end of last year is testament to the leadership and key social role that he played for them. Lam will certainly know how to replace his abilities on the pitch with many capable of stepping up to the role, but his changing room role and leadership can't be substituted.
However, the rest of the band is back together and ready to provide more exciting rugby. Retention of the core has been the order of the day and they have also added utility Tom Whiteley from Saracens, don’t be too surprised if he has a break-out season if given the chance to play (even out of position). The offseason has very much been ‘less is more’ with the stepping up of young players such as Ioan Lloyd and Fitz Harding during last year's campaign earning the latter a first team contract. Lloyd will once again play an exciting role whenever and wherever called into question.
This season Bristol will have to consolidate, they have the squad to win the premiership and they are a very well coached side. The pack is incredibly arduous and mobile, the perfect marriage for the modern game and their backs are creative and lethal finishers. Harry Randall or Andy Uren pulling the strings together with new Welsh International Callum Sheedy will predictably bring unpredictable rugby with the likes of Semi Radradra and Charles Piutau running riot. Nonetheless, whilst they have the capacity to win it all, with almost every team getting better from last year as well as the addition of Saracens, I would not be surprised if the Bears are squeezed out of the Top 4 by superior competition. That’s not to say the Bears aren’t good enough but the blow of last year's exit, the pursuit of European glory and the loss of key players such as Malins and Earl might just tip the scales below the bar which they themselves raised with their enterprising rugby last year. However, I do think I am on an island with this view, the Tight Five team does not agree with me and I am likely to be ridiculed in May 2022 when they lift the coveted Premiership. But if they get squeezed out of the Top 4, you heard it here first!