“The challenge is for us to find consistency” - Irish

Thursday, October 19th 2017

“The challenge is for us to find consistency.”
“The performances of young players is a massive positive.”
“We are testing ourselves against a strong Doncaster side.”
“It’s going to be a great atmosphere at the Gate.”

Mark Irish has challenged his players to back up last weekend’s victory when Doncaster Knights visit Ashton Gate on Sunday (2pm KO).

Bristol overcame Cardiff Premiership Select with a five-try win at Sardis Road in the opening round of the competition and Irish admitted he was satisfied with the display from his young charges.

“There was lots of good stuff last weekend, but plenty of areas for us to work on too. That’s what training has been geared towards this week and, once again, it’s a massive opportunity for these young players to show what they can do,” said the Academy Forwards Coach.

“How consistent can we be? How can we push forward into this game against Doncaster? That’s the challenge we have set to the players – we want them to be able to perform a high level week in, week out.

"For us, it’s about how we progress in every game. I’m a firm believer that if you give young players a chance, you will find out so much about them. That’s why it was pleasing to see them deliver some good stuff at Sardis Road – a positive for the club and the Academy.”

Unbeaten Bristol welcome a dangerous Doncaster side to BS3 in Round Two and Irish is under no illusions about the scale of the task ahead.

"It’s going to be a great atmosphere at Ashton Gate, especially for the boys in the Academy, who have their friends and family there to watch."

Mark Irish, Academy Forwards Coach

He added: “Doncaster Knights will come with a strong side, there’s no doubting that. This is what makes the game so exciting – our team, with a blend of experience and young Academy guys, testing themselves against one of the best teams in the Championship. That’s what excites us as a coaching team.

“It’s going to be a great atmosphere at Ashton Gate, especially for the boys in the Academy, who have their friends and family there to watch. As coaches, we want to see them express themselves at Ashton Gate and we will do everything in our power to help them get better.

“This competition is important because it’s fantastic to see where these players started and where we want them to develop to. As Academy coaches, the impetus is on us to provide homegrown, young players who can represent Bristol Rugby and the B&I Cup is the breeding ground for the boys to take their chance.”