Final would mean so much - Luatua
BRISTOL Bears are back in European action tonight as they take on French Top 14 side Bordeaux Begles in the semi-final of the Challenge Cup.
Unfortunately there will be no fans at Ashton Gate due to the on-going restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19, but the match - the club’s first last-four tie in the competition for 20 years - will be shown live on TV
Speaking ahead of the game, Bristol Bears skipper Steven Luatua said: “Reaching a final would mean a lot of things, but for us, winning a trophy was one of our goals this year and all of the hard work that we’ve put in, it would just be great to see us walk away with something.
“I’ve seen these guys doing the early starts and the late finishes, the coaches and the amount of work they have put in, it would be great for everyone to walk away with something. But also, for the fans - they’ve been with us from the get-go and they’ve been part of our journey, so it would be nice to give something back to them. It’s one game away from the final now, so we’re keen to get there.”
Bears have made five changes for tonight’s game, with full-back Charles Piutau injured (Achilles). His brother Siale Piutau returns to the starting XV at centre. Second row Ed Holmes, scrum-half Harry Randall, full-back Max Malins and wing Alapati Leiua all come in to the side.
Bears boss Pat Lam’s nephew Ben Lam starts for the French visitors.
The game at Ashton Gate, which kicks-off at 7.45pm, is being shown live on subscription channel BT
Sport 2 and will also be shown on BT Sport Ultimate. Coverage will start at 7pm. BBC Radio Bristol and the Bristol Live website will also provide live coverage.
The venue for the final has yet to be determined due to the coronavirus pandemic. The game was set to be played in Marseille but will now be played at a venue most convenient to the two sides involved, meaning should two English sides reach the final it will be held at a UK ground.
The game will take place on the weekend of October 16/17/18.