‘Love thy neighbour’ read the Bristol Rugby website ahead of their opening battle of the season against Bath on Sunday 7^th September. That particular biblical reference may have been the last thing on the minds of the fifteen that took to the field that day, but rugby is a sport traditionally set on moral high grounds and few players evoke this in the same spirit as those of Bristol Rugby.

Rugby is more than just a sport in the West Country and Bristol, it is a way of life and with that comes a culture, as Club Captain Joe El Abd explained; “We’ve always said we want to be a professional club with an amateur heart, that’s the sort of ethos we like to carry forward.”

With a string of defeats in the Premiership this season, things are currently looking bleak for Bristol as we enter the winter months but for everyone associated with the team, there is much more to the club than just Rugby. This comes from the top as Head Coach Richard Hill described; “Bristol Rugby Club plays a massive a role in the community; we’ve got a great rapport with the supporters. There’s a huge amount that our players do with schools, charities and the fans. When there is a big Bristol event on, we have some sort of a presence there. Most of the lads live within a couple of miles of the training ground, the families all know each other, it’s a genuine family affair.”

Bristol signalled their intentions to turn results around with the much sought after signature of highly rated South African born Matthew Turner at the beginning of October. The twenty year-old winger was well aware of Bristol’s reputation; “I heard it was a real up and coming club, very much based in the heart of the community and that really attracted me. In the few days I’ve been here, it’s really clear to see the team environment around the club.”

Bristol play at The Memorial Stadium on Filton Avenue at present although they will be moving next season whilst the ground they share with Bristol Rovers is redeveloped. The 12,000 capacity stadium holds some fantastic memories and when full of West Country revellers plays host to one of the best atmospheres of any rugby ground in the country.

These passions and attitudes are shared by players and teams alike across the West Country, none more so than at Dings Crusaders who play within kicking distance of The Mem (well, if you’re Jonny Wilkinson). The club’s first-team play in National Division Three and welcome all fans and players of any standard. They are a real club, engulfed in the Corinthian Spirit. Like many rugby clubs in Bristol, they are a truly great bunch of people to have any involvement with. You can watch Dings and most lower league sides for around a fiver.

Find ticket details for Bristol Rugby Club here:

www.bristolrugby.co.uk

Tom Pountney