Bristol Bears to host South Africa XV in November

Bristol Bears will be hosting the reigning World Champions South Africa in a historic clash in November.

The game will be part of the Springboks end of the year tour where they will face England, Ireland, France and Italy with a South Africa XV side locking horns with Bristol Bears on 17th November in a mid-day fixture at Ashton Gate.

This will be first time Bristol Bears will be facing an international side since they faced the United States in 2003.

Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam is excited about the prospect of facing the Springboks.

“This is exactly one of the goals that Steve (Lansdown) and Chris (Booy) had for the Bears and our supporters at Ashton Gate - to have an opportunity to play a World class international team.

"Why not start with the current World Champions?

“This is a massive opportunity for all our players to test themselves against one of the best; for our staff to put on an amazing unforgettable event and for our incredible supporters to welcome and host South African supporters from all over the world to Bristol and Ashton Gate.

"November 17th will be a memorable night make sure you lock it in to be there.”