Bristol Bears' preparations for the up-coming Gallagher Premiership season have come into focus this morning with the release of the Premiership Rugby Cup fixtures.
With the league not starting until October 18 when the Bears host derby rivals Bath, this season's Premiership Rugby Cup will run for four straight rounds from September 20th, with clubs using what has largely been a development competition in the past, almost as pre-season games.
Before all that begins Pat Lam will takes his side to France to take on Top 14 side Castres on August 16 as part of a pre-season training camp after being invited to the 26th edition of the Challenge Vaquerin. The game will take place at 6pm at the Stade de la Balmette.
The Bears will kick-off their Premiership Rugby Cup campaign away at Harlequins on Friday, September 20 (7.45pm KO), with the game being shown live on BT Sport.
Gloucester Ashton Gate come to Ashton Gate in Round Two on Friday, September 27(7.45pm KO).
Newly promoted London Irish visit BS3 a week later (Sunday, Oct 6 at 3pm), before the pool stages finish with a trip to Sandy Park to take on Exeter Chiefs on Saturday, October 12 (3pm KO).
