Pat Lam: ‘You know how many times I talk about that… I don’t really care’

Bristol Bears secured a 34-24 bonus-point victory over Sale Sharks to open their Premiership campaign. Louis Rees-Zammit and Harry Randall each scored two tries, with Tomas Gwilliam adding a late fifth try for Bristol. Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam praised his squad's collective work and defensive effort, while Randall earned player of the match honors.

Sale scored tries through Luke Cowan-Dickie and Tom O'Flaherty, who recorded a brace. The match also marked Courtney Lawes' debut for Sale following his summer move from French club Brive, playing the full 80 minutes in the back row.