Bristol Bears will play the Super Rugby Pacific champions the Crusaders next season in another blockbuster exhibition game that looks set to capture the imagination of rugby fans.
The Crusaders, who remarkably won their seventh successive Super Rugby title earlier this month with a 25-20 win over fellow New Zealand side the Chiefs, are heading to the Northern Hemisphere in 2024 on a pre-season tour ahead of the season. The Crusaders will come to Ashton Gate on Friday, February 9, and the great news for Bristol Bears fans is the game will be included in the 2023/24 season ticket as a replacement for the lost fixture against London Irish who were suspended from playing competitive rugby due to financial difficulties and have subsequently filed for administration.
The match will be the second big exhibition game of the 2023/24 season for Bristol Bear who welcome the Barbarians to the West Country on September 7.
The game has been organised after the incredibly successful game staged against South Africa A last season which saw the English side win 26-18 in front of more than 26,000 fans at Ashton Gate.
The Bears have had a working relationship with the Crusaders in recent years and earlier this season academy loosehead prop Andrew Turner ran out for the kiwi club after answering an injury SOS. A couple of weeks later former Bears favourite John Afoa was called-up.
The priority sales period starts on Friday, June 30th for Bears Members and Season Ticket holders buying additional tickets. The general sale period kicks off on Friday, July 7th. 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.”
The Crusaders are also expected to play United Rugby Championship winners Munster in Limerick as part of the trip.
The Crusaders last played in Europe back in March 2011 when they played South African side the Sharks in a Super Rugby league game at Twickenham.
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.”
