Bristol seek Challenge win to make up for Premiership blow
Pat Lam insists Bristol will be driven on in tonight’s European Challenge Cup final against Toulon by the painful demise of their Gallagher Premiership title bid.
A 47-24 defeat in their playoff against Wasps has forced the Bears to overcome their disappointment quickly as they target the last chance to finish the season with some silverware.
"The thing that's pleasing is it wasn't the end last weekend. We get a chance to go again," Bristol director of rugby Lam said.
"There is a cup at the end of it and we all understand the enormity of the challenge, but we also understand what we've done to get here.
"Getting a trophy would be a significant boost for the club. If anything, coming off a game like last weekend, it gives you even more focus and clarity.
"This is the last time we plan on being in this competition. We will be in the Champions Cup next year - and hopefully every year after that."
Bristol have been dealt a blow with the loss of number eight Nathan Hughes to a rib injury sustained at the Rico Arena, so Ben Earl moved across the back row. Daniel Thomas is promoted from the bench to fill the vacancy at openside, but Chris Vui has overcome a calf issue to retain his place at lock. England prop Kyle Sinckler slots into the front row after being named as a replacement against Wasps .
Toulon have been crowned European champions on three occasions but have never won the continent' s second tier competition.
Lam added: “Toulon have have some world-class players, they are a very big side and it's a massive challenge."