You will often hear pundits say qualifying eighth from the Premiership for the Heineken Champions Cup is something of a poisoned chalice, with the format of the draw meaning a giant of European or now South African rugby is heading your way in the pool stages. That might make qualification to the knockout rounds challenging but Pam Lam sees it differently.
His Bristol Bears side have been given a reprieve ahead of next season’s competition, with EPCR confirming today the West Country side will replace London Irish in the competition in 2023/24 as the next best-placed side, following the Exiles’ suspension from all competitions by the RFU.
READ MORE: EPCR confirm Bristol Bears' Heineken Champions Cup fate after London Irish suspension