Bristol Bears vs. Leicester Tigers Preview: Gallagher PREM Round 1
Bristol Bears vs. Leicester Tigers Preview: Gallagher PREM Round 1
Bristol Bears face Leicester Tigers in Gallagher PREM Round 1. Preview, Athlete’s Lounge coverage, kickoff time in ET, and how to watch live on FloRugby.
Bristol Bears begin their 2025–26 Gallagher PREM Rugby campaign at Ashton Gate on Sunday against Leicester Tigers.
Bristol, one of the Premiership’s longest-standing clubs, have built steadily since their 2018 return to the top flight and are eager to turn attacking ambition into more consistent results.
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Leicester bring with them one of the richest histories in English rugby. With 11 domestic titles to their name and a reputation as one of the most decorated clubs in the league, the Tigers remain perennial contenders. Their foundation in set-piece strength and physicality continues to shape their approach as they aim to return to the summit.
This Round 1 clash is a test of whether Bristol can capitalize on home advantage against one of the most accomplished opponents in the competition. For U.S. fans, it’s a Sunday showcase of contrasting styles and pedigrees.
FloRugby Top 100 Players To Watch
From the FloRugby Top 100 list:
- Ellis Genge (48), Bristol Bears
- Ollie Chessum (77), Leicester Tigers
Bristol Bears vs. Leicester Tigers Storylines Heading Into Round 1
Bristol come into this clash with a host of new recruits, chief among them being Wales star and former NFL prospect Louis Rees-Zammit. Blessed with pace to burn, power in contact and an eye for the try, rugby fans are itching to see how LRZ slots back into professional rugby. Leicester, on the other hand, begin life under new head coach Geoff Parling following the departure of Michael Cheika. The storyline: Bristol’s ambition against Leicester’s tradition, with both clubs eager to strike first in 2025–26.
FloRugby Athlete’s Lounge Coverage
FloRugby’s Athlete’s Lounge streams free at 12:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 28. Hosted by Dallen Stanford with USA Rugby head coach Scott Lawrence, the show will preview Bristol vs. Leicester along with the rest of Round 1. Fans can watch on FloRugby, the FloSports app, YouTube, and Facebook.
Bristol Bears vs. Leicester Tigers Kickoff Time
Sunday, Sept. 28, 10:30 a.m. ET — Bristol Bears vs. Leicester Tigers, Ashton Gate.
How To Watch PREM Rugby Round 1
Fans in the United States can stream Bristol Bears vs. Leicester Tigers live on FloRugby and the FloSports app. Full match replays and highlights will also be available on demand.
Subscribe To The FloRugby Annual Plan To Watch Every Match
Every Gallagher PREM Rugby match of the 2025–26 season streams live and on demand with the FloRugby annual plan, plus highlights, analysis and exclusive extras.
European Union Rugby Lives On FloSports And FloRugby
Rugby fans can stream every match from the Top 14, Gallagher Premiership, and United Rugby Championship on FloRugby, along with the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, making the platform the U.S. home for the world’s biggest club competitions and the game’s top players
How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby
Professional club rugby in Europe all streams on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to:
- United Rugby Championship
- PREM Rugby
- Top 14
- Investec Champions Cup
- EPCR Challenge Cup
- Currie Cup
- Super Rugby
- And more
FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays.