Key Highlights
- Bristol Bears host an exhibition match against the Argentina XV at Ashton Gate on Friday, November 7.
- The game kicks off at 7.45pm and is not broadcasted on TV or streamed online.
- No broadcaster will provide live commentary of the match; BristolLive will be offering live blog coverage instead.
- Bristol Bears have a history of hosting international touring teams, with notable wins over South Africa XV in 2022 and an Australia XV in 2024.
Rugby Stars Align at Ashton Gate: Bristol Bears vs Argentina XV
Bristol Bears are gearing up for a night of high-stakes rugby as they host the Argentina XV on Friday, November 7. The match, set to kick off at 7:45pm, marks another chapter in the long-standing tradition of international opposition for the Bristol-based team.
The encounter is expected to provide a challenging test for Bristol Bears, as several key players are unavailable due to injuries and international call-ups. Pat Lam, the director of rugby at Bristol Bears, expressed his excitement and acknowledged the tough circumstances:
“I think obviously the injury situation and where we’re at in the season, the guys that’ll get the chance to go out there, and Noah Heward in particular, coming back from injury, are buzzing. They’re excited by this chance to go out, play number one on Ashton Gate, number two against an international touring side.”
Bristol Bears Line-Up: A Test of Resilience
The Bristol Bears lineup for the match features a mix of experienced players and younger talent. Notable inclusions include:
- Noah Heward (28 appearances)
- Evan Morris (2 appearances)
- Jack Bates (56 appearances)
- Aidan Boshoff (7 appearances)
- Matt Protheroe (36 appearances) – Captain
- Sam Wolstenholme (10 appearances)
Replacements include:
- Nathan Langdon (debut appearance)
- Louie Trevett (5 appearances)
- Jimmy Halliwell (14 appearances)
- Will Ramply (1 appearance)
- John Edwards (debut appearance)
The Argentine Challenge: Argentina XV Line-Up
The Argentina XV squad, comprising players from the national team and other top-level clubs, is expected to put up a strong defense. Notable players in the lineup include:
- Tobias Wade (15)
- Santiago Pernas (14)
- Agustín Fraga (13)
- Faustino Sánchez Valarolo (12)
- Mateo Soler (11)
The replacements include:
- Matías Medrano
- Diego Correa
- Octavio Filippa
- Lautaro Simes
- Juan Pedro Bernasconi
- Estanislao Pregot
- Bautista Farise
On-Field Officials and Broadcasting Coverage
The match will be officiated by Sara Cox, with Harry Walbaum and Jonathan Healy as assistant referees. There are no broadcasters set to air the game live; however, BristolLive will provide comprehensive coverage through their blog, including build-up, team news, play-by-play updates, reaction, stats, analysis, and highlights.
Following the match, viewers can look forward to detailed post-game analysis and coverage from within the stadium. For those unable to attend in person, the online platform will ensure that fans are kept updated with all the latest developments.
