As the excitement builds for the highly anticipated clash between the Bristol Bears and Bath Rugby, fans are advised to plan their journeys carefully to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff this Saturday, May 10, 2025. This derby match, dubbed "The Big Day Out," is a crucial fixture in Round 16 of the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership season, with kick-off scheduled for 3:05 PM.
Bath Rugby enters the match on a high after securing a home semi-final with a stunning 55-19 victory over Newcastle Falcons, solidifying their top position in the league. In contrast, the Bristol Bears are desperate to end a three-game losing streak that has seen them slide from second to fourth in the standings. With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Bears are looking to rally and reclaim their form.
Travel arrangements have been ramped up to accommodate the expected influx of supporters. Great Western Railway (GWR) has announced that nearly 10,000 extra train seats will be available for fans traveling to the match. GWR Director of Operations Richard Rowland emphasized, "We advise people to travel early and check before you travel. A queuing system will also be in place at Cardiff station after the game, ensuring people can board their train safely." Eight additional trains will run from Bristol Temple Meads to Cardiff Central specifically for Bears fans, while five extra services will come from Bath and Chippenham. However, it's important to note that these trains will not stop at Bristol Temple Meads.
With reservations mandatory on all trains heading towards Cardiff after 08:00 BST, passengers are encouraged to book early and allow ample time for their journeys. The return journey will also see more than 20 trains heading back towards Bristol and Bath, with a first-come, first-served queuing system in place at Cardiff Central after the match.
As for the teams, Bristol Bears are making some notable changes to their lineup. Joe Batley is set to make his first appearance in six months, partnering with Josh Caulfield in the second row. Ellis Genge, fresh off being named a British and Irish Lion, will start at loosehead alongside Max Lahiff and Gabriel Oghre in the front row. Viliame Mata returns at number eight, while skipper Fitz Harding shifts to the openside flank. Fly-half AJ MacGinty is poised to make his 50th competitive appearance in the blue and white hoops.
The Bears' backline will feature James Williams and Benhard Janse van Rensburg in the midfield, with Kalaveti Ravouvou moving to the wing alongside Gabriel Ibitoye. On the bench, Bristol's director of rugby Pat Lam has opted for a 6-2 split, bringing James Dun back into the matchday squad.
On the other side, Bath Rugby will be captained by Ewan Richards, who will line up alongside Ross Molony in the second row. Jasper Spandler is set to make his Gallagher Premiership debut as hooker, supported by props Francois van Wyk and Archie Griffin. The back row will consist of Josh Bayliss and Ethan Staddon, with Arthur Green completing the pack at number eight.
The half-back pairing will feature scrum-half Louis Schreuder and fly-half Ciaran Donoghue, while Orlando Bailey and Louie Hennessey will occupy the centre positions. The wings will be manned by Austin Emens and Joe Cokanasiga, with Tom de Glanville at fullback. Bath will also see Will Jeanes make his Gallagher Premiership debut among the replacements.
This match holds significant historical context as well. According to Bristol Bears historian Mark Hoskins, the two clubs have met on 258 occasions, with Bristol holding a commanding lead with 146 wins compared to Bath's 93, alongside 19 draws. This rich rivalry adds an extra layer of intensity to the fixture.
As fans prepare for the match, they should also be aware of the travel disruptions in Cardiff. A full city centre road closure will be in effect from 11 AM to 7 PM to ensure the safety of ticket holders. Key roads including Kingsway, Cowbridge Road East, and St Mary Street will be closed, and fans are encouraged to utilize the park and ride facilities available at the Vindico Arena on International Drive.
Motorists are warned that the M4 is expected to be heavily congested, and public transport options will be limited due to the high demand. Transport for Wales has confirmed that the Cardiff bus interchange will be closed from 11 AM until 7 PM, further complicating travel plans for those attending the match.
In the lead-up to the game, Pat Lam has expressed optimism about his team's chances, noting the importance of this match for their playoff aspirations. He stated, "If you are injured for three or four weeks it is fine, but a lot of our big players have been out for four months and what we are finding is when they come back, they want to be at the form they were before, but it is not always possible. That is why you have pre-season games."
As the countdown to kick-off continues, both teams are set to deliver a thrilling encounter at the Principality Stadium. With Bath looking to maintain their dominance and Bristol fighting for their playoff lives, fans can expect an electric atmosphere filled with passion and fierce competition.
In summary, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown between Bristol Bears and Bath Rugby, with travel arrangements in place to ensure fans can witness the action live. As both teams prepare for battle, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an unforgettable day of rugby.
