Ever wondered how professional rugby players navigate the transition from one team to another while maintaining their game and sanity?

Join us as we chat with Callum Sheedy and Dan Thomas, ex Bears who recently set up shop in Cardiff. They share what it's like to move from familiar territory, the emotional rollercoaster of starting anew, and how commuting together helps them stay connected to their roots. You'll hear a personal story or two about their first days at ther new club, the nerves, the laughs, and the camaraderie that makes rugby life worth it.

The 2021 season was a rollercoaster for the Bears, and Callum and Dan give an insight into what happened behind the scenes and candidly discuss the aftermath of the crushing semi-final loss and how it affected the team's confidence and strategic direction. These insights reveal the intricacies of professional sports, where game plans are as much about mental resilience as they are about physical prowess.

But it's not all on-field drama. Off the pitch, Callum and Dan share their unwinding rituals, from arm wrestling to unforgettable nights out. We get into the nitty-gritty of their lives beyond rugby, including amusing tales of teammates and the quirks of international selection rules. Whilst they still harbor dreams of playing for Wales, both players remind us that while rugby is a game, it's also a career filled with personal aspirations and challenges.

Whether you're a Bears fan or just curious about the lives of top level athletes, this episode promises a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and laughs.

Let us know what you think!

What happens when you mix a makeshift dining room studio with lively rugby banter?

You get a fun-filled episode of Bears Beyond the Gate!

Join us as our usual podcast space at the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom is commandeered by the BBC, forcing us into the homely pod studio.

Miles shares his up-close experience from the England versus Australia clash at Twickenham but despite England's loss, the electrifying atmosphere, seamless pint access, and scrumptious street food made it a day to remember.

We also review the previous night's exhibition match vs Australia A including a light-hearted mention of the Dame Edna look-a-like cam which stole the show and ponder which international touring team could actually fill the stadium next year.

Celebrating Bristol Bears' rising stars is a must, so we (very) briefly review the two Prem Cup game as well as the recent exploits of the Bears Women team, plus, we tease our listeners with plans for future episodes and our excitement for upcoming internationals.

So, grab a drink, sit back, and immerse yourself in the Bears Beyond the Gate experience!

Let us know what you think!

In this week’s episode we discuss the extent to which Ashton Gate is on its first steps to becoming a fortress after the first home win of the season against Saints despite our general lack of historical knowledge and the fact that the boys had to dig deep from 15-0 down.

We also analyse TNT’s official post match interview with Joe Batley as well as our own unofficial one with pod favorite AJ ‘Adge’ MacGinty.

As well as the regular ‘poet’s corner’ we introduce a new angle with ‘relatives corner’ - where current players tell us which of their relatives listen to the pod.

Finally, we run through a number of shout-outs based in various meetings with listeners and fellow Bears’ fans at location ‘in and around’ Ashton Gate.

Join Pete, Lee and Miles for a cheeky beer and a bit of rugby banter.

Running order:

0:00

Intro

3:08

Bats and Adge’s post match interviews

12:44

Our review of the game

43:52

Poets’ corner

48:46

Relatives’ corner

51:33

Shout outs, a gentle GOAT and guerrilla marketing

Let us know what you think!