The Fans
Legends
In its rich history, Bristol has nurtured some of the great stars of the past and present.
We would like to thank Dave Fox and Mark Hoskins for allowing us to take advantage of the superb research they did for their book "Bristol Football Club (RFU) - 100 Greats". Dave and Mark contributed the information and the images.
If you would like to get more information on the club, its players and its history, then you can buy their book at most leading bookshops in Bristol.
To search for a particular player, use the Search box below.
Andy Blackmore
Position: Lock
Date of Birth: 1/11/1965
Honours: England Schools, Gloucestershire, Barbarians, England B
Career: 1984 - 1995 (251 games)
Scored: 14 tries = 58 pts
Andy Blackmore was Bristol's principal source of ball from the lineout for ten seasons. An athletic forward, he contributed much to Bristol's open game and was close to being capped by England.
Blackmore joined Bristol from the Colts team having previously played as a junior for the Imperial club. He made a try-scoring debut for Bristol United at Nelson in September 1984 and also scored a try on his first XV debut against Clifton the following month, where his second-row opponent was Peter Brown, father of current Bristol player Alex.
His line-out expertise and athleticism was noticed immediately. He was chosen to represent Gloucestershire before he had played for the Bristol first XV.
Blackmore proved to be one of the most awkward players opponents had to deal with, seemingly possessing telescopic arms perfectly designed to win ball. He played for the South and South West against New Zealand in 1993 and dealt admirably with renowned All Black Ian Jones.
However he suffered injuries at crucial times, most notably in the 1990/91 season when his appearances were restricted to only 3 games. A catalogue of shoulder injuries eventually required operations.
He added to his England Schools cap with appearances for England under 23 and England B, but sadly Blackmore missed out on a full England cap. He toured North America with England in 1993, and played in both test matches against Canada - had it been today caps would have been awarded. He was a full squad member but narrowly missed selection for England's tour to South Africa in 1994.
The game was moving towards professionalism and Simon Shaw and Garath Archer arrived at the Memorial Ground. An insurance clerk, Blackmore was happy to play for the United again but when the offer of a professional rugby contract with Coventry was placed on the table he took the road to the Midlands, with Derek Eves and several other players. His last match for Bristol was against Leicester in January 1995 in the cup. He later returned to the city and joined Clifton. He is now player-coach with Bristol Saracens.
Blackmore, once a fanatical supporter of Bristol City football club, is now employed by the RFU as Rugby Development Officer for Bristol and District. His job is to promote rugby within schools and clubs, helping them to organise themselves and increase the player-base. It is, perhaps, appropriate that such a physically big man as Andy Blackmore should have such a significant role in restoring Bristol to a rugby city.
