Bristol Bears Deliver Commanding Performance in Champions Cup with Nine-Try Demolition of Pau

Bristol Bears Secure Dominant Champions Cup Victory

Bristol Bears put themselves on track to qualify from the pool stages of the Champions Cup with a dominant 61-12 win over French side Pau on Sunday. The emphatic victory at Ashton Gate showcased the West Country club’s attacking prowess and underlined their credentials as serious contenders in European rugby’s premier competition.

A Clinical Display from Start to Finish

With a snarling and fired up Genge blasting over the whitewash to finish a 90m strike move with just 55 seconds on the clock, Bristol set the tone for a commanding performance. Player of the match Benjamin Grondona and brother Santiago each scored for the home side, with Ellis Genge, Kieran Marmion, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Gabriel Oghre, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Joe Batley and Aidan Boshoff also claiming a try apiece. The Bears’ clinical finishing saw them race to a 33-0 lead at half-time before continuing their dominance in the second period.

Squad Depth and Strategic Planning

Director of Rugby Pat Lam has confirmed a young and exciting Bristol Bears first team squad for the 2025/26 campaign. World class internationals 26-year-old Tom Jordan and 22-year-old Pedro Rubiolo are the headline signings in 2025/26 squad, demonstrating the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level across multiple competitions.

Looking Ahead to Crucial Fixtures

The Bears kept pace with Northampton Saints and defending champions Bordeaux Begles, who both also have two wins from their opening pool stage games, to claim third spot in Pool 4. Bristol next go to Pretoria to face the Bulls, who have lost both their games and have a minus 58 points difference. Win that and it will all come down to a bumper home clash against Jalibert, Bielle-Biarrey, Penaud and Co on January 18, the final pool weekend.

Significance for Bristol Bears and English Rugby

This comprehensive victory represents more than just three points in the pool standings. It demonstrates Bristol’s ability to compete with top European opposition and highlights the club’s evolution under Pat Lam’s leadership. The Bears were one of just two teams, alongside finalists Bath, to stay in the Gallagher Premiership top four throughout the entirety of the 2024/25 season. With momentum building and key fixtures ahead, Bristol Bears are positioning themselves as genuine contenders for both domestic and European honours this season.