Bristol Rugby miss out on promotion to Premiership

Bristol Rugby Club has been licking its wounds today after failing to win a return to the Premiership.

A full house at the Memorial Stadium suffered a double disappointment last night as the team were unable to overturn a first leg deficit against London Welsh in the Championship play-off final.

But they also waved farewell to the club's old ground with a single point defeat. Our Sports Correspondent Matthias Kurth reports.

Bristol Rugby owner Steve Lansdown insists the club will get stronger despite losing in the Championship play-off final.

Bristol Director of Rugby Andy Robinson spoke to our Sports Correspondent Matthias Kurth after Bristol lost tonight's Championship play-off final second leg.

Bristol have failed in their bid to reach the Premiership through the Championship play-offs.

They needed to overturn a 19-point deficit in tonight's play-off final second leg against London Welsh in their last-ever game at the Memorial Stadium and fell some way short, as they lost by 21 points to 20.

Bristol's rugby players are hoping to overturn a 19-point deficit against London Welsh in the second leg of the Championship play-off final tonight. In Bristol's last-ever game at the Memorial Stadium, the winners will earn promotion to the Premiership.

Andy Robinson says it should be a night to remember.

Bristol will attempt to become the first side to overturn a Championship play-off final first leg deficit on Wednesday when they host London Welsh.

It will the club's last ever game at the Memorial Stadium, which has been home to the club since 1920.

Bristol lost 27-8 at the Kassam Stadium last week and must claw back that 19 point difference to return to the Premiership next season.

Charlie Amesbury and Ross Johnston believe that the team can deliver its best performance and the result that everyone at the club craves.

Next season Bristol will move into a new era across the City at Ashton Gate, before the famous old stadium site is turned into a supermarket. Whether the team wins promotion or not, tomorrow night's contest is loaded with historical significance, as our sports correspondent Matthias Kurth reports.