MJ’s ‘The Last Dance’ series influences Bears

Bristol Bears are around the mid-point of their five-year plan to achieve domestic and continental success as they look to establish themselves as the foremost power in British and European rugby.

It’s a lofty ambition but, in tandem with owner Steve Lansdown and chief executive Mark Tainton, Director of Rugby Pat Lam speaks with such confidence and crystal clarity and conviction, it’s hard not to believe it’s possible.

Certainly the team is on an upward curve, third in the Premiership before the shut down, and with another headline arrival for the 2020/21 season confirmed this week in the form of Fijian-born Ratu Siva Naulago from Hull FC.

He joins the team with another Fijian star Semi Radradra and Kylian Sinckler. And, rather conveniently, to help fuel that surge a light has been shone on one of sports’ greatest ever dynasties over the past month, only enhancing Lam’s desire to get back in action.

Netflix series ‘The Last Dance’ has been a huge hit through the COVID-19 enforced lockdown, forensically documenting the Chicago Bulls’ rise to NBA greatness through the 1990s, with Michael Jordan’s staggering levels of competitiveness as centrepiece.

Lam has been gripped, not only by the story, but the message it delivers in terms of that hunger for selfimprovement, and the vast majority of the Bears squad and staff have embrace it with just as much zeal. Indeed, during a conference call this week with assembled media, Lam couldn’t help but reference it at every possible juncture, his face lighting up with enthusiasm each time.

“I am expecting better lineout throwers, better goalkickers, better passers, and a lot of variety,” Lam said.