Lam has the ability to turn his Bears into champions

I wouldn’t underestimate anything about Pat Lam, because his pedigree and talent as a coach is proven, which is why Bristol have put their faith in him.

- JEREMY GUSCOTT

Even with the resources that Bristol have, it’s not easy to join a club and establish a new culture, while, at the same time, getting the respect of everyone involved. However, Lam’s track record indicates that he has done exactly that.

Lam not only got them promoted from the Championship to the Premiership at the first time of asking when he joined in 2017, he ensured that they stayed up, finishing ninth in the top league last year (2018-19).

Now the plan has moved on, and this season Bristol have taken the next step, which is to start competing with clubs at the top end of the table like Exeter. Given that Bristol are in third place they are certainly established as contenders this season, alongside Sale and Northampton, with Wasps also possibly having a say.

Hopefully, if the season restarts as planned in mid-August, we will find out if Bristol have a squad strong enough to challenge Exeter. If not, no one can accuse them of lacking ambition – and there is no bigger sign of intent than the way they have persuaded the Fijian World Cup star, Semi Radradra, to leave Bordeaux for Bristol.

Bristol is a great city with good transport links, and it’s a good place to live, as well as to play pro rugby, so with any luck Radradra will soon settle-in. The prospect of Radradra, who is brilliant whether he plays at outside centre or on the wing, linking with Charles Piutau at full-back is stunning – and I just can’t wait to see it.

These are two of the most spectacular attacking players on the planet, and if they click then Bristol will be box office.