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Bristol Rugby

Friday 17th November 2006

Club Details
The Memorial Stadium
Filton Avenue
Horfield
Bristol
BS7 0BF
Stadium Capacity:12,000
Website:www.bristolrugby.co.uk
Founded: 1888

- 2008/9 Season Preview -
Last time around: Following up the memorable third-place finish in 2006/07 was always going to be a tough ask for a squad the size of Bristol's. And so it proved with Richard Hill's men sliding six spots down to ninth last term. However, the notable highlight of the West Country side's season had to be their 17-0 home victory over Stade Fran�ais in a Heineken Cup cracker!

This time around? Once again the majority of their new summer signings have come from National Division One, barring the signatures of Adrian Jarvis and Rob Sidoli. Leaving the club are several first-team backs in centres Sam Cox, Rob Higgitt and David Hill, which could see them struggle to make the top six...maybe even escape the trapdoor!

Coach: Former England scrum-half Richard Hill worked wonders two years ago and in patches last term one saw glimmers of team rugby played at its best! A canny motivator who can lift a player to his peak and it would come as no surprise if he silenced the doubters once again this time around.

One to watch: Injury has marred Dan Ward-Smith over the past two years but his promise has never been questioned. The number eight looks in peak physical condition once again post pre-season and his combination with nine Shaun Perry will be integral to Bristol's hopes.

In: Adrian Jarvis (Harlequins), Rob Sidoli (Cardiff Blues), Vungo Lilo (Cornish Pirates), Junior Fatialofa (Exeter), Chris Ashwin (Newbury), Sam Alford (Launceston).

Out: Brian O'Riordan (tbc), Craig Morgan (tbc), Rob Higgitt (Scarlets), Sean Hohneck (Viadana), Sam Cox (Viadana), Josh Taumalolo (Grenoble), Jason Strange (coaching Dragons), David Hill (Toshiba, Japan), Dave Hilton (retired), Gareth Llewellyn (retired).

Prediction: 11th

Colours: Blue and white

Tickets: �8 - 22

Travel connections: Bristol Temple Meads is a major station stop for rail lines from all corners of the UK. The M4 motorway from West to East meets the M5 motorway from South-West to North just outside. Bristol also has an airport with some cheap connections to the rest of the UK.