Bears boss Lam insists he's still right man for job

There was a very clear, concise and defiant answer from long-serving Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam when asked if he was still the best man to be at the helm following the record-breaking Prem defeat by Northampton last time out.

"Yes."

Speaking before Friday's visit of Bath to Ashton Gate, Lam - who has two years left on his current deal and recently celebrated his ninth anniversary since joining the Bears - pushed back on any idea of his position being at risk.

"I don't need to explain, I'm here to talk about Bath, we are excited about Friday night," the 57-year-old said.

"I have been around a long time, and my life and identity doesn't revolve around what people say, so I enjoy my summer every year."

The loss at Franklin's Gardens set a record for most points scored in an English top-flight game, while the hosts also amassed more first-half points (61) than any other team in the history of the competition.

The heavy defeat left the Bears sixth in the Prem table, five points adrift of Exeter in the fourth and final post-season play-off spot.

Bristol have two games remaining, at home to Bath on Friday before a trip to Sale on the final day.

"I have never been involved in that type of game [against Northampton] as a player or a coach, but you move through, pick everyone up and I have been pleased with the work we have done since," said Lam.

"Nothing has changed for nine years here, it's a game of rugby that we play and that's all that is in front of us.

"Our approach is how we go about winning the game and making sure we prepare well. People probably get bored of me [saying] the same stuff, but that is how it is.

"The only thing that is going to matter is performance. It's not what I say, it will be action."

A defeat so uniquely emphatic can often leave a coach scratching their head, but Lam told reporters on Wednesday he had treated the Northampton loss the same as any other in his tenure.

"I go through the same process after every game," he said. "I have people I trust and talk to, and they know my process. They know I am fine and that I will get through.

"The first thing I did was ask what I did well and what I could have done better – I ask myself the same question if we win by 50 or lose like we did last week.

"The consistency of that process gives you that answer. We dust ourselves down and get going again, but we always channel it back to what we know."

And while watching on proved far from easy two weeks ago, Lam was not surprised by his team's response to claim a bonus point with a fifth try in the closing stages.

"I hand-picked all the players out there in interviews," he added. "I have resilient and tough players.

"I just put my pen down, sat back and said 'let's just endure this and see where we go from here'.

"When you're in a storm, you wake up, you survive. Hopefully you will see a difference this Friday."

In and around any questions over his future, there was also an opportunity for Lam to reflect on his time in Bristol, as he enters a 10th year with the Bears.

"I'm still really excited to walk through those doors every day," he said.

"The best thing about being here a while is that you get an understanding of where we have come from, where we are, and where we are headed. We have come a long way as a club.

"There are photos up on the walls here of every year and I was looking at them the other day, looking back at that first year and thinking how many have made their way since then. But they have all been part of this journey we have been on together."

One player Lam won't have with him in his 10th year will be Santiago Grondona, who has announced he will leave the Bears this summer to take up a playing opportunity in France.

The 27-year-old joined the Bears from Section Paloise in 2024 and departs after making 31 appearances for the club, having scored six tries in that time.

Lam said: "Santi has been an outstanding contributor during his time at Bristol Bears, both on and off the field.

"He brought quality, physicality and professionalism to our environment every day, and earned the respect of everyone across the club.

"We thank him for everything he has given to Bristol Bears and wish him and Belén every success and happiness in the next chapter of their journey in France."

Grondona added: "I've absolutely loved my time at Bristol Bears and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to represent this club.

"From the moment I arrived, everyone made me and my family feel so welcome and I've really enjoyed being part of such a strong culture and environment.

""The coaches and players have been brilliant to work with and I've made memories and friendships that I'll take with me for the rest of my career."