Bristol Bears Announce Strategic Relationship With Bristol Bisons RFC
Bristol Bears has announcea a new strategic relationship with Bristol Bisons RFC – the South West’s first inclusive and queer friendly rugby team based in Bristol.
As part of it’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, the Bristol Bears will now look to collaborate with the Bisons on several community initiatives. This new relationship follows on from the launch of their new Supporter Advisory Committee, Bears Together, setup to work alongside the Club with the primary purpose of providing our supporters with a voice to allow them to engage in ‘off-field’ matters.
The first collaboration of the two clubs will kick off at this weekend’s derby showdown between Bristol Bears and Bath at Ashton Gate, which will include representatives from the club taking part in several events, including the pre-match Q&A at the Bears Den alongside first team players and matchday presenter Downsy.
Gallagher Premiership Round 12 has been reimagined in a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, promoting inclusivity and showing that every player, referee, coach, volunteer, official, club employee or supporter from the LGBTQ+ community is welcome, no matter their background or identity.
Daisie Mayes, Bristol Bears Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) lead, said: “The club is really invested in promoting an inclusive culture, ensuring that everyone in our community feels a part of the Bears family.
“This relationship with the Bisons is a beacon for supporters in the LGBTQ+ community, giving them a safe and welcoming environment at Bears men’s, women’s and Academy matchdays.”
Jamie White, Bristol Bisons Chairperson, said: “It’s incredible to be officially partnering up with the Bears ahead of Premiership Rugby’s Pride Weekend.
“Rugby truly is a sport for everyone, and we can’t wait to see what exciting things we can achieve together in the future. The Bisons are just one of over hundred inclusive global rugby clubs that are part of the IGR (International Gay Rugby) community, and this acknowledgement from the Bears is a real mark of support from our Premiership home team.
“We hope that by working together, we can continue to highlight the importance of inclusive rugby and inspire people to find their own safe space in the sport.”
The Bristol Bears contiue their mission to improve inclusivity and representation across the game along with other clubs in Premiership Rugby as this weekend (26th -28th January) has been hailed as ‘LGBTQ+ Pride Weekend’ in a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community nationwide.
The LGBTQ+ Pride Weekend is an evolution of Premiership Rugby’s long-term support of Stonewall’s annual Rainbow Laces campaign, which encourages everyone to wear the laces as a show of support for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
During the LGBTQ+ Pride Weekend, activities will happen both on and off the pitch to encourage the club community of players, officials, volunteers, and fans to come together in support. All players will be sent Rainbow Laces and invited to wear them during matches over the weekend and Gallagher employees from across the UK will hand out Rainbow Laces to supporters at all matches. Match official shirts will carry a bespoke “rainbow” inspired version of the Gallagher Premiership logo, assistant referees will use LGBTQ+ rainbow flags and the post pads will also adorn the rainbow branding.
