Bristol Bears' director of rugby, Pat Lam, is unwavering in his commitment to lead the team to a Premiership final, despite a disappointing semi-final loss to Bath. The Bears, who held a narrow lead at halftime, conceded four consecutive tries, ending their campaign short of the final. Lam, who joined Bristol in 2017 when the club was in the Championship, has led the team to the playoffs three times but has yet to reach the final.

"Reaching the final was a significant goal for us. We are disappointed, but we gave it our all and were outplayed by a quality team," Lam stated. He emphasized the need for Bristol to elevate their game to earn the respect that comes with winning titles, a feat achieved by teams like Bath, Northampton, and Saracens.

Lam is optimistic about the future, highlighting the potential of the team and the strategic signings for the 2025-26 season. These include versatile Scotland and Glasgow back Tom Jordan, winger Max Pepper, and second row Pedro Rubiolo, who are expected to bolster the squad's depth and performance.

"We need to continue building depth so that when key players are unavailable, others can step up effectively," Lam explained. Despite having the smallest squad in the Premiership, Bristol has shown resilience and determination throughout the season.

The Bears' journey this season was marked by moments of brilliance, such as a stunning try initiated by Kalaveti Ravouvou and finished by James Dun. This showcased their quick, slick ball-handling skills, making them one of the top attacking teams in the league. However, injuries, including the loss of scrum-half Harry Randall to a shoulder injury, and disciplinary issues with two yellow cards, hindered their performance against Bath.

Lam, under contract until 2028, believes that with continued development and strategic investments, Bristol can achieve their goal of winning a Premiership title. "We are in a good position off the field, and with the right additions, we can grow and compete at the highest level," he concluded.