Bristol Bears player ratings vs Northampton | 2026/27 Gallagher PREM

Bristol Bears player ratings: Bristol Bears made it two wins from two in the Gallagher PREM with an impressive 41-26 victory over Northampton Saints at Ashton Gate on Saturday, producing a performance built as much on their defence and breakdown work as their trademark attacking ambition.

For two sides involved in a 94-33 contest last season, the opening half-hour was unusually attritional, but Bristol eventually found the openings. Louis Rees-Zammit was at the heart of virtually everything good they produced, while Pedro Rubiolo earned player-of-the-match honours and Fitz Harding repeatedly frustrated Saints at the breakdown.

15 Tom Jordan – 8
Another accomplished display from the Scotland international, who was heavily involved with ten carries before stretching over for Bristol’s first try after the break. His score came from a well-timed crash line off James Williams’ shoulder after Rees-Zammit had initially torn Northampton open.

14 Louis Rees-Zammit – 9
An extraordinary performance. Produced a monster 50:22 early on, scored twice, made five line breaks and beat six defenders. His defensive intervention to strip Coles over the line was every bit as impressive (although the try attempt was chalked off for other reasons), while his quick hands almost created a disallowed try for Pepper before Freeman’s late intervention resulted in a penalty try. Northampton simply could not contain his pace.

13 Benhard Janse van Rensburg – 6
His afternoon was unfortunately cut short at half-time after being knocked out while rushing from the defensive line to stop Pollock. Had completed seven tackles and carried four times before his premature departure.

12 James Williams – 7
A huge defensive contribution from the centre, whose 18 tackles were the most by any Bristol player. Also created Jordan’s try with a well-timed pass off his shoulder, beat three defenders and kicked important points, although several efforts from the tee struck the woodwork or drifted wide.

11 Gabriel Ibitoye – 7
Did not accumulate the eye-catching numbers he often does but still produced a decisive attacking contribution. His wraparound from the blindside off a scrum beautifully released Rees-Zammit for his second try. Also got through 11 tackles in an industrious performance.

10 AJ MacGinty – 7
A relatively understated attacking display but worked exceptionally hard without the ball, making 14 tackles. Almost created a first-half try with a cross-field kick to Jordan, only for Randall’s earlier knock-on at the ruck to wipe the score out.

9 Harry Randall – 8.5
Excellent. His kicking repeatedly relieved pressure, starting with a smart clearance when Bristol were being driven backwards early on. Sniped from the base of a ruck for a crucial second-half try and produced another superb clearing kick after Kloska’s turnover. Three missed tackles were the only significant blemish and maybe could have done better to stop Josh Kemeny’s try.

1 Jake Woolmore – 6
Produced plenty of defensive work with 15 completed tackles before making way after 56 minutes. Three penalties conceded, however, represented an unusually costly discipline count and pulled his rating down.

2 Gabriel Oghre – 8
A hugely influential display. Finished Bristol’s opening maul try, fired the quick pass that allowed Rees-Zammit to exploit space for his first score and later won a clean breakdown turnover. Twelve tackles complemented a performance in which he repeatedly affected the contest.

3 George Kloska – 8
Another strong contribution from the Bristol tighthead. Seven carries and nine tackles showed his industry, while his turnover inside his own 22 after Northampton had begun building pressure was one of the more important defensive interventions of the afternoon.

4 Pedro Rubiolo – 9
Named player of the match and deservedly so. Carried 10 times, completed 14 tackles and provided constant physicality in a Bristol pack that stood up impressively to Northampton. Three missed tackles were a minor imperfection in an otherwise commanding outing.

5 Joe Batley – 7
Another sizeable defensive shift from the lock. Completed 14 tackles, won a turnover and formed an important part of a Bristol pack that repeatedly slowed Northampton down and prevented Saints from generating the quick phase-play ball on which they thrive.

6 Steven Luatua – 7
Not one of his more conspicuous attacking performances, carrying only three times, but contributed in the areas Bristol needed him. Won a turnover, provided his usual composure and helped the Bears frustrate Northampton through the opening 50 minutes.

7 Benjamin Grondona – 8
A relentless defensive performance. His 17 completed tackles were second only to Williams among Bristol players and helped underpin the Bears’ excellent work without the ball. Three missed tackles slightly tarnished the numbers, but his work-rate was enormous.

8 Fitz Harding – 8.5
Set the tone for Bristol’s breakdown performance. Won a penalty over the ball after six minutes which led directly to Oghre’s opening try, then repeated the trick on 21 minutes despite two Saints players attempting to clear him. Added 10 carries and 13 tackles to two turnovers won.

Replacements – 8
Lovejoy Chawatama and Jimmy Halliwell were the standouts at scrum time, while Max Pepper provided immediate attacking threat with two line breaks.