BEARS NECESSITIES
CORNERSTONE, FOUNDATION, rock. These are all words often used to describe tighthead props, given their importance in providing solidity to the scrum as well as their graft around the field. Yet those aren’t words that first come to mind when discussing Sarah Bern and Kyle Sinckler, who wear the No 3 shirt for club and country.
The Bristol Bears and England pair aren’t one to shirk the basics previously mentioned, with both focused on set-piece and closequarters work, but they are arguably better known for their skills in the loose – a break through the defence here, a deft pass there, maybe even a sidestep for good measure.
Both Bern and Sinckler started playing in the back-line, which is no doubt why they are so comfortable with ball in hand, and the two have plenty more in common. They’ve both faced setbacks with form and injury over the past couple of years – and both know the heartbreak of losing a World Cup final.
Bern was in the infancy of her international career when the Red Roses lost 41-32 to the Black Ferns in Belfast in 2017 while Sinckler’s appearance in the RWC 2019 defeat by the Springboks lasted just a few minutes after he was knocked unconscious. Those disappointments are driving them forward, with Bern hoping for success in New Zealand later this year and Sinckler the same at France 2023.
Rugby World talks to the two props about Bears, bursts and basics…
What has led to the turnaround results-wise for Bristol this season – the women are now in the Premier 15s title mix but the men are struggling?
I wouldn’t say it’s anything in particular, it’s tiny
