Bristol Bears began their Premiership campaign with a convincing 38-29 bonus-point victory away to Sale Sharks. Their five-try performance, built on continuity and the return of experienced players, offered early evidence that they could challenge again after an injury-hit previous season, while Sale’s defeat intensified concerns about their prospects following last season’s disappointing seventh-place finish.

Louis Rees-Zammit and Harry Randall both scored twice for Bristol, with Tomas Gwilliam adding a decisive late try after Sale had repeatedly narrowed the gap through Luke Cowan-Dickie and two tries from Tom O’Flaherty. George Ford kicked three conversions and a penalty for Sale, but his late missed penalty ended their hopes of securing a losing bonus point, while Bristol’s victory provided confidence for director of rugby Pat Lam and his squad.