Bristol Bears cement their reputation for stunning exhibition games as Wallabies game confirmed

Bristol Bears have announced they will host an Australian XV at Ashton Gate in the Autumn in the latest of a long line of stunning exhibition games organised by the club.

In recent years the Bears have forged a reputation for bringing some of the best and most interesting opposition to the West Country for one-off fixtures, facing South Africa, the Barbarians and Super Rugby Pacific side the Crusaders recently. Bristol had already announced they will play Australian Super Rugby side the Queensland Reds on January 31, 2025, and now the club have added the Wallabies to their impressive line-up of opponents.

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Joe Schmidt's side, who face the British and Irish Lions next summer, will take on the Bears on Friday, November 8, with kick-off at 7.45pm as part of their Autumn international tour of the northern hemisphere when they will play Tests against England on November 9, Wales on November 17, Scotland on November 24 and Ireland on November 30.

The Premiership Rugby Cup group stages are expected to be scheduled for Premiership clubs during the Autumn international window.

Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam said: “After such an incredible occasion against South Africa a few years ago, the opportunity to welcome another international side of the quality of Australia to Bristol is hugely exciting.

“This is a massive opportunity for our players to test themselves against an international standard team, for our staff to put on another unforgettable event and for our incredible supporters to welcome and host Australian supporters from all over the world to Bristol. We look forward to hosting Joe Schmidt and the Australian side at Ashton Gate on Friday, November 8th.”

Schmidt added: “With the British & Irish Lions arriving next year, the November match-up against Bristol Bears is a great opportunity for the Australia XV players to demonstrate what they’re capable of against quality opposition, and for the Wallabies to build depth for the Lions series.”

The game is not included in the 2024/25 Season Ticket but a Priority Sale period for 2024/25 Season Ticket holders starts at 10am tomorrow, with the option to purchase up to four match tickets. Tickets will go on General Sale at 2pm on Friday, May 17.