Rugby Lam talks up differences in budget ahead of Rec showdown

AS soon as the final whistle went at Ashton Gate on Saturday, after Bristol Bears had secured their place in the semi-finals of the Gallagher Premiership for the first time in four years, director of rugby Pat Lam came out swinging for Bath, their play-off opponents this Friday.

- John EVELY

Bath have been the dominant force in English rugby his season under head of rugby Johann van Graan, having already secured the Premiership Rugby Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, and last season’s beaten Premiership finalists have a tremble in their sights in 2024-25. While acknowledging the “phenomenal” job van Graan has done in turning around the league's basement side in 2022, Lam was quick to highlight how owner Bruce Craig’s spending power has been a huge reason behind their success. Punchy, I'll say.

Not so long ago, Bristol were the ‘Galacticos’ of the league, with the likes of Semi Radradra and Charles Piutau as their marquee men, and former Samoan captain Chris Vui proving the power and stardust in the pack alongside England star Kyle Sinckler. But Bristol owner Steve Lansdown has tightened the purse strings, and now Lam is being asked to do more with less. Under those circumstances, the Samoan has framed Friday’s play-off showdown as a David vs Goliath affair, hoping his side can sling enough stones to bring down the neighbouring giant who has woken from its slumber.