Pat Lam believes Andy Goode’s criticism of Ellis Genge’s performance at Leicester Tigers last week, and what he claims it said about Bristol Bears, was delivered without sufficient knowledge of both the England captain and the true atmosphere at the club.
Goode was scathing of Genge’s 31-minute showing at Welford Road during the 46-24 defeat, declaring the prop “wasn’t interested” on his return to his former club, along with a number of his teammates, which spoke of wider dressing room problems at the Bears.
Speaking on The Rugby Pod, former England, Leicester and Wasps fly-half Goode said: "I think there is a big issue there at Bristol around the empathy and the team spirit within the squad and there is some sort of breakdown there. Yes, they have won a few games recently, but we have said it for a while, there is something not right there.
"Yes, they have won a few games recently, but we have said it for a while, there is something not right there, and the fact that Pat Lam is on a seven-year contract – it’s only down to six years now – I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a big change."
Genge had personally declared he wanted to play at Welford Road, having left Leicester last summer to return to his boyhood club, despite Lam granting the prop and England teammate Kyle Sinckler the week off following the Six Nations. That alone spoke of his determination and commitment to the collective cause, even if his performance at Leicester was under-par for his usual elite standards.
In February, the Rugby Paper reported that Lam’s long-term future at Ashton Gate was in doubt due to the Bears’ struggles in 2022/23, with Lee Blackett linked as a possible replacement. A story Lam largely dismissed as “white noise” and “rumours” that doesn’t concern him, although conceding that results needed to improve, which they have since.
“I think the biggest thing here is, it sounds like it’s getting personal,” Lam said, stating he hadn’t read or heard what Goode had said before a summary was relayed to him. “It’s one of those things, the invention of podcasts and social media gives everybody the ability to say how they feel. Opinions can always be challenged, because it’s someone’s opinion. What you can’t challenge is fact.
“So when people make comments - if I go off what you’re saying about - whether it’s about Ellis, any of my players or if it’s about me, then it’s opinion, so we don’t need to listen to it. If it’s fact, then let’s have a look at it.
“Particularly when people aren’t in the environment or see what we do. And that’s how you determine.
“You (the media) give your opinion and sometimes you hit the nail on the head and sometimes you’re far off. It’s good for people to have their opinions but you go down a dangerous line when you get personal and try to say what they’re doing or not.
“That’s (Genge’s attitude) a given for us. I know what Ellis is like, I know what all the players are like - these boys care. I get the advantage of seeing what they do in the environment, how they work and operate and how they do things, and that’s how I determine it.
“I suppose, in a way, people are making their opinions on what they see on the field on that Saturday and all players will do things well, and all players can do things better and can be challenged on it. If you make a mistake, it’s not like the player doesn’t care. I’m pretty sure Andy and anyone else who makes those comments, the first thing you look at, like the big fella says, ‘anyone who’s never made a mistake, be the first to cast a stone.’”
The facts Goode’s co-host Jim Hamilton did hit upon were Bristol’s disappointing seventh-placed position in the Premiership - albeit with the Bears having won four of their last five league games - in the context of the superstar talent, such as Genge, they possess throughout their squad.
However, Bears director of rugby Lam is keen to block out a lot of the outside noise, such as what Goode said, to ensure Bristol finish the season in the strongest possible fashion. Although that won't include any European glory following the Bears 33-26 defeat to Clermont on Friday night in the European Challenge Cup.
“What a great time that was,” Lam said, with a big grin on his face, when asked about his playing career and the lack of social media and the expression of so many opinions in a public way.
“The fact you’ve brought up something that I didn’t even know about shows you how I deal with this stuff. And that’s what I try to talk to the players and the staff (about). If you want to read that stuff, understand what you’re going to see. Understand that it’s a lot of opinions and the real strength of a person is being able to not see your self-worth based on what people’s opinions are.
"If you’re someone who doesn’t let other people’s opinion determine how you live your life or who you are then, mate, you’ll be fine with it. However, that’s easier said, if you’re affected by it, then don’t read it.
“The only thing that matters is the people who mean the most to you which is generally, your partner, your kids, your parents - those are the people that matter so just focus on that. When my old man tells me it’s not good, it’s not good!”
