The Queensland Reds will tackle the Bristol Bears in January subsequent 12 months as a part of a European tour earlier than the Tremendous Rugby Pacific season.
The Reds will play the Gallagher Premiership outfit at Ashton Gate on January 31 as a part of a two-match preseason tour, with the second match but to be introduced.
It will likely be the primary time that the Australian aspect will tour Europe since 1990 and their first fixture towards Bristol since 1980.
Bristol confronted the Crusaders earlier this 12 months in an identical fixture at the start of the English golf equipment’ break throughout the Guinness Six Nations.
“After I talked about this chance to our management group, they described it as ‘epic’,” mentioned Reds head coach Les Kiss, who will likely be returning to England having beforehand coached London Irish.
“It’s an opportunity to play a number one English membership of their surroundings in a British and Irish Lions 12 months, it’s a pre-season match that creates glorious preparation for our 2025 Tremendous Rugby Pacific season and we play at an awesome stadium.
“I’ve coached towards Pat Lam-coached groups earlier than and there have been some traditional matches amongst them. I count on this to be no totally different.”
Reds co-captain Tate McDermott mentioned: “That is big for us as a membership and for our supporter base.”
“When the management group first heard of the plans, we couldn’t imagine it.
“We noticed the Crusaders go over early this 12 months to check themselves in pre-season video games (towards Bristol and Munster). We now get the prospect at a terrific pre-season to bond and play high quality opposition. It’s one thing to be actually excited for.
“New Zealanders play a sure manner. Fijians do too. To return up towards a distinct model altogether, with numerous set piece-based footy and a few actually gifted Bristol backs, is one other actually nice check for the squad.”
