A TOP rugby club has been ridiculed by fans after changing its name to that of a gay group.
Bristol decided to revamp their image and call themselves the Bristol Bears.
But that is the name of a well-known gay pub and social scene in the city.
The Bristol Bears hold their own summer fiesta, take part in Pride events and own the internet domain for the name.
A 'bear' is a muscular, older gay or bisexual man who is bearded or has lots of body hair.
The club is based at the Bristol Bear Bar in the city’s Old Market “gay village”.
The bar declined to comment. But a regular on the scene said: “It’s hilarious. I’ve been checking out the rugby website. I’m sure those players will be welcomed in Old Market."
Tonight fans spoke out. Phil Franklin, 52, of Cheddar, Somerset, said: “We could end up being a laughing stock.”
Anthony Beavon, 61, of Shepton Mallet, said: “I didn’t think my club could be so stupid.”
On Twitter, Tim Brown said: “You do realise you’re going to get a lot of confused fans when they google Bristol bears.”
The decision to change the rugby union club’s name for next season came after it won promotion to the Premiership.
Owner Steve Lansdown said of the animal: “It defends for its life when it needs to, is aggressive in attack when it needs to be.
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“We need that sort of spirit going forward to get that success we want.”
A spokeswoman from Bristol Sport, which runs the club, said: “We were aware of the Bristol Bear Bar from the beginning of the rebrand process.
“We are confident that we can all co-exist happily together.”
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