Bristol Bears, Features & Analysis, News, Rugby

‘Bristol – In Everything But League Status – Is A Top Flight Club’

21 January 2016

I was delighted to sign a new contract with the Club and show some early commitment and loyalty to Bristol. It’s a luxury having it done and dusted before Christmas because it’s not in the back of your mind, you can just focus entirely on rugby. It’s such a positive to re-sign with some other great boys as well, so that’s a bonus. It was a no-brainer really as I’m determined to help the club get back to where we want to be.

On a personal level, I’m pleased with the way I’m playing. It’s nice to get a run of games in the first team and I’m putting in some consistent displays, which is the key thing. I’m just focused on helping the team and I’m in the best place to do that in the second half of the season. I’m enjoying my rugby and – touch wood – I’m injury free so I’m feeling good and excited about the business end of the season.

I’ve been in Bristol for two and a half years now and it’s a great city to live in. Having come from London, it’s nice to be somewhere with a relaxed vibe and I have settled in well and really embraced the area. It’s easy to see why people come here for work or university and never want to leave!

I’ve met some top lads during my time at the club and it’s a good environment to be a part of at the moment. There’s good camaraderie and a blend of young lads and older heads. Everyone gets on well and we’re striving for the same goal. Because the majority of us have been here longer than a season, it’s given us a chance to develop as a group which is massively beneficial. With such a big squad, it’s important that we continue to pull together especially when everything is on the line at the end of the season.

It’s been a disappointing couple of years falling at the final hurdle and that was in the back of my mind when I re-signed, I feel that there is unfinished business and I want to see the job through. Bristol – in everything but league status – is a top flight club. It’s a proud rugby city with an unbelievable fan base. We saw that in recent games at Ashton Gate. As a group of players, we feel as though we are ready to make the step up and everybody associated with the club is of the same mindset and chasing the same goal. There’s plenty of rugby to look forward to and much to play for, so I’m delighted to be a part of that for another two years.

Written by Jack Wallace – Jack joined Bristol Rugby in May 2013, ahead of the 2013/14 Championship campaign, and the utility back has scored 10 tries in 49 appearances. Click here to find out more about Jack on the Bristol Rugby website.