Bears to face Crusaders in history Ashton Gate clash

Bristol Bears will face the newly crowned 2023 Super Rugby Pacific champions and one of the leading club sides on the planet on Friday, February 9^th, 2024, when the New Zealand side the Crusaders visit Ashton Gate for a historic exhibition match.

The 14-time Super Rugby champions are the most successful side in the competition’s history and boast some of the game’s biggest-name players, including All Black superstars Will Jordan, Scott Barrett, David Havili and Codie Taylor.

This ground-breaking fixture will be free to 2023/24 Season Ticket holders, seasonal box holders and seasonal Lansdown Suite hospitality holders as a replacement for the home fixture against London Irish, following their exit from the Gallagher Premiership.

The priority sales period starts on Friday, June 30^thfor Bears Members and Season Ticket holders buying additional tickets. The general sale period kicks off on Friday, July 7^th. Adult tickets start at £25 with U12s from £10.

Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “To be able to welcome one of the best club sides on the planet to Ashton Gate is incredibly special and this fixture is a unique opportunity for our players, staff and supporters.

“The Crusaders are the reigning Super Rugby champions and we’re relishing the opportunity to take on the best club side in the Southern Hemisphere at what is sure to be a packed-out Ashton Gate.

“In a chat with my old Crusaders teammate Scott Robertson last week, we both agreed this is going to be something to really look forward to and we’re proud to be hosting them in Bristol.”

Gavin Marshall, Bears CEO, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this game within the existing 2023/24 Season Ticket package for our loyal season ticket holders.

“As a club, we’re continuously looking at new ways to innovate and grow our audience and showcasing one of the most exciting club teams on the planet at Ashton Gate is a great opportunity for the club and the group."

Colin Mansbridge, Crusaders CEO, said: “The Crusaders are thrilled to be coming over to the UK to face some stiff competition away from home”.

“NZ and Australian clubs have working on the World Club Competition for years, so when an opportunity for Super teams to play Northern Hemisphere counterparts came up, it was just too good to pass up,” Mansbridge said.

“It’s exciting to play against a club of Bristol’s calibre, and one that we already have a relationship with. Razor and Pat Lam have been close for a long time, and Bristol Bears Academy member Andrew Turner made his Crusaders debut this year.

“It’s also a fantastic chance for our new coaching group to connect, and for our playing group to travel and compete together in a new environment.”

Colin Mansbridge, Crusaders CEO, said: “The Crusaders are thrilled to be coming over to the UK to face some stiff competition away from home”.

“NZ and Australian clubs have working on the World Club Competition for years, so when an opportunity for Super teams to play Northern Hemisphere counterparts came up, it was just too good to pass up,” Mansbridge said.

“It’s exciting to play against a club of Bristol’s calibre, and one that we already have a relationship with. Razor and Pat Lam have been close for a long time, and Bristol Bears Academy member Andrew Turner made his Crusaders debut this year.

“It’s also a fantastic chance for our new coaching group to connect, and for our playing group to travel and compete together in a new environment.”