Bristol Bears Head Coach Pat Lam may be on his way out of Ashton Gate, with rumours circulating on his departure come the end of the season.
There is speculation around the New Zealander’s future at the club, with Bristol recording just three wins in 12 Premiership matches this campaign.
The Bears have struggled to get off the mark this season, as they are currently sat at the bottom of the Gallagher Premiership table. Pat Lam’s side have unexpectedly performed far below their usual standards this season, as Lam has previously taken the Bears to the heights of the Premiership play-offs, back in 2021.
As reported by The Rugby Paper, Lam is under contract until 2028, however former Wasps Head Coach Lee Blackett could be brought in as Lam’s replacement ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The Rugby Paper reported that there are senior Bristol Bears players who are not happy with the current senior coaching staff, with Blackett’s name popping up for discussions for the club’s future.
Bristol have a star-studded squad, with internationals from one to fifteen. They certainly have the capacity to pull off comfortable victories in the Premiership, yet questions remain as to why they have been unable to deliver this season.
They took league leaders Saracens to the wire at the end of January in what looked like a turn-around in form, yet the Londoners scored a last-minute try from debutant Francois Hougaard, and avoided the upset.
England international props, All Blacks calibre loose forwards, and a Fijian powerhouse in the centre, on paper Bristol looked like a definitive Premiership force.
Hopefully these rumours prove to just be speculation, and Pat Lam is able to get his side performing to the best of their abilities. A strong finish to the end of this season, and climbing to secure European rugby next year, would silence Pat Lam’s doubters on his future at Bristol.