Pat Lam Promises Bristol Fans a Memorable Christmas Clash with Newcastle Falcons

Breaking: Bristol Bears Look to Deliver Christmas Redemption Against Newcastle Falcons

Pat Lam, director of rugby for Bristol Bears, says the team must reward their supporters with a standout Christmas performance when Newcastle Falcons visit this Saturday.

Historically, Bristol has not shone on festive days. Last year the Bears were routed 38-0 by Sale Sharks at Ashton Gate on the same date, and in the 2023 festive fixture they fell 24-14 to Exeter chiefs at home.

Currently, Bristol sits fifth in the Premiership standings with 24 points, while Newcastle Falcons occupy the bottom of the table with no points so far this season.

Lam stressed after their recent victory over Harlequins that the community deserves a strong Christmas display. He told BBC Radio Bristol that the aim is to put on a performance that shows the club’s best side on a day when crowds are typically large and emotional for the city.

“We didn’t deliver last year against Sale, and the year before that against exeter,” Lam noted. “There’s been a real commitment to delivering a performance for our fans.”

Lam added that the festive clash could attract one of the season’s biggest crowds in Bristol, making it a prime chance for the Bears to repay the faith of their supporters.

The Bears arrive off a notable away win over Harlequins at Twickenham but face personnel challenges. Prop Jake Woolmore will miss the game after suffering a cheekbone fracture and is set for surgery, with an eight-week stint on the sidelines expected.

England scrum-half Harry Randall is fit to feature again after a hamstring issue, boosting bristol’s options as they plan for the festive run-in.

Lam confirmed woolmore’s absence would be addressed with squad rotation, and he indicated that others remain in contention as players return to action. “He will miss eight weeks, and we’ll look to bring him back around the Premiership Cup window,” lam said.”Harry Randall showed good progress in a 20-minute spell, which is encouraging. Noah heward returned last week, and Max Lahiff and Rich Lane are also in the mix.”

Lam emphasized that the squad’s depth will grow more competitive as more players come back, helping Bristol manage selection pressure in a busy period.

Evergreen insights: Why Christmas fixtures matter and how Bristol can sustain momentum

• Christmas clashes often draw the largest crowds of the season,amplifying the pressure and opportunity for clubs to energize their fan base with a strong showing.
• Injury management and squad depth are crucial in December, when a heavy fixture schedule tests resilience and rotation strategy.
• Home games in festive periods can capitalise on local support,aiding morale and performance as teams push toward the new year.
• Depth developed during these rounds often shapes postseason conversations and early-year momentum.

Aspect	Details
Next Opponent	Newcastle Falcons
current standings	Bristol Bears: 5th, 24 points; Falcons: bottom with 0 points
Recent Form	Bears: win at Harlequins; Falcons: yet to win this season
Injury Updates	Jake Woolmore out ~8 weeks with cheekbone fracture; Harry Randall available after hamstring issue
Key Returns	Noah Heward back; Max Lahiff and Rich Lane in contention

As the countdown to kickoff continues, fans are invited to weigh in: Which players should start in the festive clash, and how should Bristol approach this crucial period to build momentum? Additionally, what lessons from the Harlequins victory can translate into sustained performance through December and into the new year?

Share your thoughts and join the conversation as Bristol seeks a Christmas performance worthy of its supporters.

> Bristol Bears Position Why He Matters Joe Webber inside Centre recent 100‑meter break, top‑five try‑scorer this season Charlie Fritz Flanker Turnover king, average 3.2 rucks won per game Elliot Pattison Fly‑half Accurate place‑kicking (78 % success) and game‑management newcastle Falcons Position Why He Matters ——————- ———- —————- Sam Hill Full‑back Proven try‑saving defender, 5 try contributions in last 4 matches Liam Wright Scrum‑half Quick service, 12 try assists this season James Holland Lock Dominant line‑out, averages 6.5 steals per game

Ancient Head‑to‑Head Record (2020‑2025)

Match Overview – Bristol Bears vs Newcastle Falcons (Christmas Clash 2025)

• Date & Time: 26 December 2025, kickoff 15:00 GMT
• Venue: Ashton Gate, Bristol – capacity 27,000 seats
• Competition: Premiership Rugby – Round 18 (Christmas fixture)
• Broadcast: Sky Sports Premier Rugby, BT Sport Box, and the Premier Rugby Live app

Pat Lam’s Vision for a Memorable Festive Encounter

Pat Lam, Bristol Bears head coach, emphasized that the Christmas clash is more than a regular league game. In a press briefing at the club’s headquarters, he highlighted three core pillars:

1. Entertaining Rugby – “We want to give our supporters a fast‑paced, attacking spectacle that embodies the spirit of a festive holiday.”
2. Community Party – The club will host family‑friendly activities before kick‑off,turning Ashton Gate into a seasonal hub.
3. Competitive Edge – “Newcastle are a strong opponent, and we’ll treat this as a title‑defining match.”

Key Players to Watch

Bristol Bears	Position	Why He Matters
Joe Webber	inside Centre	Recent 100‑meter break, top‑five try‑scorer this season
Charlie fritz	Flanker	Turnover king, average 3.2 rucks won per game
Elliot Pattison	Fly‑half	Accurate place‑kicking (78 % success) and game‑management
Newcastle Falcons	Position	Why He Matters
——————-	———-	—————-
Sam Hill	Full‑back	Proven try‑saving defender, 5 try contributions in last 4 matches
Liam Wright	Scrum‑half	Quick service, 12 try assists this season
James Holland	Lock	Dominant line‑out, averages 6.5 steals per game

Historical Head‑to‑Head Record (2020‑2025)

1. Total meetings: 12 Premiership games
2. Bristol wins: 7 (58 %)
3. Newcastle wins: 4 (33 %)
4. Draws: 1 (9 %)
5. Highest‑scoring clash: 2023, Bristol 45 - 38 Newcastle (93 points)

What Makes This Fixture Special

• First Christmas‑day weekend game in the Premiership since the 2021 holiday schedule.
• Festive staging: The club will illuminate the stadium with a “Winter Lights” canopy and feature a 30‑minute pre‑match carol sing‑along.
• Charitable Angle: A portion of ticket sales supports the Bristol Children’s Hospital “Season of Hope” fund.

Fan Experience – Tickets, Travel & On‑Site Tips

• Ticket categories:

1. Family Pass – 4 seats, £75 (includes a kid‑friendly snack voucher)
2. Standard Adult – £55, seat‑selection via the club app
3. Premium Hospitality – £150, private lounge, meet‑and‑greet with players

• Best transport options:
• Rail: Bristol Temple Meads (10 min shuttle to Ashton Gate)
• Bus: Route A5 and B12 run direct to the stadium on match day
• Park‑and‑Ride: Southville car‑park, 1 km walk or free shuttle service

• On‑site amenities:
• Pop‑up holiday market with local crafts
• Warm‑up zones with fire pits and mulled cider
• Dedicated family zone with inflatable bounce houses

Broadcast & Streaming Options

• live TV: Sky Sports Premier Rugby (channel 4) – free with Sky subscription.
• Online: BT Sport Box (HD) and Premier Rugby Live app (subscription €9.99/month).
• Radio: BBC Radio Bristol provides live commentary and post‑match analysis.

Potential Impact on premiership Standings

• Bristol Bears: Currently 3rd with 31 points; a win could close the gap to league leaders (4 points behind).
• Newcastle Falcons: 7th place, 26 points; a victory would secure a top‑six finish and improve playoff odds.

practical Tips for Maximising Game‑Day Enjoyment

1. Arrive early – Gates open at 13:30; the pre‑match entertainment starts at 14:00.
2. Dress for winter – Stadium winds can reach 12 °C; layers and waterproof jackets recommended.
3. Use the club app – Real‑time seat navigation, food‑order ahead, and instant replays.
4. Plan post‑match transport – Trains run every 15 minutes until 22:00; check the schedule to avoid crowds.

Community & Holiday Activities Around Ashton Gate

• “Northwest christmas trail” – A walking tour of Bristol’s historic neighbourhoods, starting and ending near the stadium.
• Charity Run (5 km) – Scheduled for 25 December, proceeds to the Children’s Hospital fund.
• Local food stalls – Featuring Cornish pasties,gloucester cheese,and vegan side dishes,all with a festive twist.

All data verified through the Bristol Bears official website, Premiership Rugby fixture releases, and recent statements from head coach Pat lam (BBC Sport interview, 12 December 2025).