Pat Lam says his Bristol Bears players will 'test themselves' against some of the best players in the world this autumn when the World Champion Springboks come to Ashton Gate.
Today the Premiership club confirmed they will face a South Africa XV on Thursday, November 17th, 2022 as part of their Autumn Nations Series tour of the Northern Hemisphere.
The fixture will come between South Africa facing France and England with Ireland their other opponents this Autumn.
Bristol director of rugby, Pat Lam said: “This is exactly one of the goals that Steve (Lansdown, owner) and Chris (Booy, chairman) 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.”
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Bears chairman Chris Booy said: “This is a significant milestone for the club and really underlines how we far have come as the Bears.
"To host the World Champions at our home is incredibly exciting and it will be an event that will go down in the history books.
“South Africa are one of the World’s most iconic international teams with a vibrant and passionate fanbase. We’re grateful to the South Africa Rugby Union, Premiership Rugby and World Rugby for their support and co-operation in helping us to deliver this unique and historic fixture.”
This will be the first time Bristol has ever faced South Africa in a friendly fixture and only the sixth international opposition in the club’s 134-year history, most recently 19 years ago against the USA at the Memorial Ground in 2003.
The fixture, which will fall between a Premiership weekend and Premiership Rugby Cup weekend, will see the Bears face the number one ranked team in world and three-time World Cup winners.
In what promises to be a bumper occasion in BS3, adult prices start from just £25, while Season Ticket Holders can take advantage of the advance sales period until midnight on Wednesday, July 6th (two ticket limit per Season Ticket holder).
KEY DATES
• Advance sales period: Tuesday, July 5th (10am) - Wednesday, July 6th (12pm)
• General sale: Thursday, July 7th (10am)
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