There’s understandable skepticism regarding Bristol’s chances for the 2025/26 Gallagher PREM title, considering their limited squad size. However, odds of 16/1 might be overly cautious, especially if they avoid significant injuries.
Their close rivals, Bath, used squad rotation extensively en route to a successful season, an option not readily available to Bristol, whose combined senior and academy rosters number just 50 players.
Director of Rugby Pat Lam acknowledges this as the smallest squad he’s managed in his eight years with Bristol, with fans hoping that superior quality can compensate for the lack of quantity.
Bristol has indeed made some noteworthy signings, some of which are considered world-class additions. Tom Jordan (formerly of Glasgow), Pedro Rubiolo (previously with Newcastle), and Louis Rees-Zammit (formerly of the NFL) have joined the ranks at Ashton Gate, and, apart from the departure of Max Malins, there haven’t been any other significant losses.
Loosehead prop: Jake Woolmore (167 apps), Ellis Genge (60 apps), Sam Grahamslaw (12 apps)
Ellis Genge solidified his position as a top-tier loosehead in Europe during the Lions tour, and any Premiership team would be happy to have him. However, his expected absence during the first two PREM rounds and later matches due to England duties will highlight the lack of depth in this area. Jake Woolmore is a reliable player rather than a standout performer. Depth rating: 7/10
Hooker: Harry Thacker (131 apps), Will Capon (99 apps), Gabriel Oghre (41 apps)
Bristol’s primary hookers, Gabriel Oghre and Harry Thacker, embody the team’s energetic and involved style of play. Both possess excellent handling skills and provide valuable linking options in open play, with Oghre maintaining a lineout throwing success rate exceeding 90% last season. The main concern revolves around Oghre’s continued progression in Test rugby, especially after the former Wasps player’s call-up for England’s Test against the USA this past summer.
Depth rating: 9/10
Tighthead prop: Max Lahiff (109 apps), George Kloska (63 apps), Lovejoy Chawatama (5 apps)
With a 94.7% success rate, Bristol’s scrum performed admirably when they had the put-in during the 2024/25 season, surpassed only by Bath. However, the listed tightheads are unlikely to instill considerable fear in opposing front rows. Their primary role is to secure possession and distribute the ball efficiently, enabling the backs to execute their plays.
Depth rating: 6.5/10
Lock: Joe Batley (73 apps), James Dun (52 apps), Joe Owen (34 apps), Steele Barker (5 apps), Pedro Rubiolo.
Bristol keenly felt the absence of Joe Batley during his extended injury layoff. Having him and Rubiolo, who joined at the beginning of the year, available for the entire season will be a major boost. With these two providing the muscle and rising star James Dun offering athleticism, Bristol’s second row should be well-resourced. Depth rating: 7.5/10
Back row: Steven Luatua (151 apps), Fitz Harding (95 apps), Viliame Mata (16 apps), Santiago Grondona (14 apps), Luka Ivanishvili
While Steven Luatua and Viliame Mata may be the most recognized names, Fitz Harding’s contributions are often underestimated outside of Bristol. Harding led the league in offloads (32) and brings immense commitment as the club captain. Full international Grondona, who marked his debut with two tries in the win over Bath, displays great talent but needs to refine his discipline. Meanwhile, Georgian powerhouse Luka Ivanishvili could prove to be a significant asset. Depth rating: 8.5/10
Scrum-half: Harry Randall (144 apps), Kieran Marmion (50 apps), Sam Wolstenholme (9 apps), Max Pepper
Bristol has strong options at scrum-half, particularly if the dynamic Randall falls out of favor with the England setup. Randall ranked second only to Bath’s Finn Russell in try assists in 2024/25, and is also capable of scoring himself, having touched down six times during the league campaign. International-caliber backup is available in the form of Kieran Marmion. Depth rating: 8/10
Fly-half: AJ MacGinty (51 apps), Tom Jordan
Bristol has named only two fly-halves, but James Williams can also effectively play in the first receiver position, as well as at inside-centre. It’s expected that the talented Jordan will be favoured at inside-centre, placing significant responsibility on MacGinty, whose susceptibility to injury is well-known. It’s not coincidental that Bristol’s form dipped last season when the US Eagles star was sidelined. Harry Byrne arrived on loan to fill the gap, and it would have been ideal to secure his services on a permanent basis. Academy fly-half Sam Worsley is also available, and he will have benefited from the valuable game time he gained last season. Depth rating: 7.5/10
Centre: James Williams (53 apps), Benhard Janse van Rensburg (48 apps)
Should Lam choose to pair Jordan with Janse van Rensburg, the resulting midfield combination could be among the league’s best. Janse van Rensburg ended the season playing at 13, making this a plausible scenario unless Jordan is required at fly-half. Bristol relies heavily on Janse van Rensburg for his hard work, but Joe Jenkins is a more than capable alternative if needed, possessing qualities reminiscent of Jamie Roberts, while James Williams will be hoping to avoid any injuries. Depth rating: 7.5/10
Wing: Gabriel Ibitoye (57 apps), Jack Bates (51 apps)*, Kalaveti Ravouvou (30 apps), Louis Rees-Zammit
Louis Rees-Zammit will inject further excitement into a wing unit already full of pace, power, and flair. Having been underutilized at Gloucester, the Welshman should thrive in Bristol’s style of play and score plenty of tries. Although Gabriel Ibitoye sometimes struggles defensively, his ability to create scores from seemingly nothing gives him some leeway. Ibitoye finished the 2024/25 regular season as joint top try-scorer with 13, alongside Leicester’s Ollie Hassel-Collins, while Kalaveti Ravouvou was perhaps the most difficult player to tackle, beating more defenders than any other back in the league. Jack Bates consistently performs well, and Benjamin Elizalde is a seasoned Argentinean international. Depth rating: 9.5/10.
Full-back: Rich Lane (60 apps), Noah Heward (26 apps)
Rich Lane initiates numerous counter-attacks, but at 32, there are concerns that his age might start to affect him, especially given Bristol’s high-tempo approach. Noah Heward was sidelined for almost all of last season, so his return will feel like a new signing, and Jordan can provide cover at full-back if necessary. Depth rating: 7/10
Overall rating: 78/100
*Players listed by the number of Bristol appearances
