Law firm tackles landmark Bears partnership

A South West law firm has entered a “groundbreaking” partnership with a leading rugby club that promises to deliver benefits both on and off the pitch.

Foot Anstey has been named principal partner of PREM Rugby club Bristol Bears from the 2026/27 season under a multi-year agreement that includes front-of-shirt branding for both the men’s and women’s teams.

The partnership also sees the national law firm become principal partner of the Bristol Bears Foundation, supporting the club’s charitable work across the region.

Beyond the pitch, Foot Anstey has been appointed Bristol Bears’ exclusive legal services provider, delivering a full range of legal advice and support to the club and its players throughout the partnership.

Described as one of the most significant commercial partnerships in the club’s history, the collaboration is expected to support Bristol Bears’ ambitions both on and off the field while further strengthening Foot Anstey’s presence across the South West.

Martin Hirst, managing parter at Foot Anstey, said: “Our partnership with Bristol Bears is built on a shared belief in the impact individuals can have when they come together as a team.

“From our earliest conversations, it was clear this is more than sponsorship, it’s about bringing together two ambitious organisations to drive performance, support our communities and create lasting impact. 

“This reflects how we work as a firm: building strong relationships, working collaboratively and focusing on what really matters to our clients and to the communities around us.

“Sport has a unique ability to bring people together and create momentum. 

“We’re excited about what we can achieve, alongside Bristol Bears and the Bristol Bears Foundation, over the coming years.”

Tom Tainton, chief executive of Bristol Bears, added: “This is a groundbreaking moment for the club and we are delighted to welcome Foot Anstey into the Bears family. 

“From the beginning of this process, Foot Anstey has been an excellent partner – collaborative, engaging and genuinely excited about using the power of sport to leave a lasting legacy.

“Having Foot Anstey’s name on our shirts is about far more than a business agreement; it is a statement of intent about our aligned growth journeys. 

“This authentic partnership represents a shared set of values and a long-term commitment to driving success across our men’s, women’s and community programmes.

“Foot Anstey’s support of the Bristol Bears Foundation is particularly significant, enabling us to expand our reach and deepen our impact within the communities we serve.

“We look forward to achieving great things together over the coming years.”

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