By Ian Todd
December 12 2023

Bordeaux-Begles VS Bristol  Saturday 16 December 2023 15:15 (GMT)  

The professional rugby union team Union Bordeaux Bègles (UBB), was founded in 2006 as a result of a merger between two Bordeaux clubs, Stade Bordelais and CA Bordeaux-Bègles-Gironde. Here are some key facts about Bordeaux rugby:

• Stade Bordelais: This club was established in 1889 and won seven French championships between 1899 and 1911. It competed in the second-level Pro D2 until 2005–06, when it merged with CA Bordeaux-Bègles-Gironde12.
• CA Bordeaux-Bègles-Gironde: This club was formed in 1907 and won two French championships in 1969 and 1991. It also took part in the first European Rugby Cup in 1995. It was relegated to the Pro D2 in 2003 and then to the third-level Fédérale 1 in 2005, before merging with Stade Bordelais13.
• Union Bordeaux Bègles: This club is the result of the merger between Stade Bordelais and CA Bordeaux-Bègles-Gironde in 2006. It plays in the top-level Top 14 and has qualified for the European Champions Cup in 2015 and 2020. It wears claret and white and is based at the Stade Chaban-Delmas13.
• Notable players: Some of the current and former players who have represented Bordeaux rugby include Jefferson Poirot, Adam Coleman, Guido Petti, Pete Samu, Cameron Woki, Matthieu Jalibert, Semi Radradra, and Ben Lam3.

Bristol played Begles at the Memorial Ground in a match in which the visiting side seemed intent only on causing injury and dishing out violence.  At one point an old chap shouted at Begles and a couple of players had a go at him before more supporters came to his aid.  Well before the end Bristol were waving the opposition through rather than attempt a tackle and get smashed in the head or stamped on.