2 hours ago Gallagher Premiership Former Bristol captain Matt Salter dies aged 49
Clifton RFC has announced the death of former Bristol Rugby captain Matt Salter at the age of 49.
Bristol Bears face off against Sale Sharks in Gallagher Premiership Round 9 on Fri 2nd January 2026 at Ashton Gate. Kick-off in the UK is scheduled for 19:45 and is broadcast on TNT Sports, Discovery+. In South Africa it’s at 21:45 SAST, 08:45 NZST on Sky Sport, Sky Sport Now, Sky Go in New Zealand, 06:45 AEST on Stan Sport in Australia and 11:45 EST on Flo Rugby in the US.
Bristol Bears won the last encounter but Bristol Bears are in the best form of their last 5 games.
Heading into the fixture the two sides are separated by just 4 places in the league table with Sale Sharks in 3rd and Bristol Bears in 7th underlining just how tight this match could be.
The official squads for Bristol Bears vs Sale Sharks will become available around 24- 48 hours before kick-off. Teams can still make changes up to an hour before the match however.
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Sign up for freeClifton RFC has announced the death of former Bristol Rugby captain Matt Salter at the age of 49.
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Live Updates
James Williams has kicked a conversion.
A series of passes by Bristol Bears results in a try for Kalaveti Ravouvou
Rekeiti Ma'asi-White (Sale Sharks) is shown a yellow card
A penetrating move by Bristol Bears results in a try for Matias Moroni.
George Ford makes no mistake with that penalty goal attempt.
George Ford adds the two points for Sale Sharks.
The defence are desperately trying to hold out here but it was to no avail as Ernst van Rhyn dots the ball down from close range.
Tom Jordan adds the two points for Bristol Bears.
The pick and go results in a try for Bristol Bears as Joe Owen goes over.
George Ford converts the try.
A series of passes by Sale Sharks results in a try for Tom O'Flaherty