Fitz Harding: England ambition and the dream of leading Bristol Bears to a Premiership title

Fitz Harding spoke plainly about two career objectives: playing for England and captaining Bristol Bears to their first Premiership title. Those aims frame how he and the club are approaching the 2026/27 PREM Rugby season.

Harding, 27, says an England cap is still a priority. He made clear the Rugby World Cup in November 2027 has been on his mind and describes representing England as something he's wanted since childhood. He added that last season he "played some of the best rugby I've played" yet did not feel close to an England call-up, and that international selection remains a personal target.

At club level Harding has an explicit goal: "If I was the first Bristol captain to lift the Premiership, that would live with me for the rest of my life." He's taken on the captaincy with that objective and a practical plan for the opening fixture away at Sale Sharks, where he expects a "big emphasis on the set-piece."

• Bonus points and attacking output. Bristol "haven't picked up enough bonus points" and Harding questioned whether the attack was firing last year. Turning close matches into additional scoring outcomes is a stated target.
• Defensive consistency. The team produced strong defensive performances at times but lacked that performance week to week. Harding singled out defence as an area that grew but needs steadier delivery.

Harding's own form and fitness have been part of the club's reset. He broke his hand in the penultimate game of last season and missed the final trip to Sale, but said the injury healed well and that he used the summer to rest and prepare. He described pre-season as a chance to work on aspects of his physical game that don't get as much attention during the season, noting he is "always trying to better myself physically."

For the opening trip to Sale Harding said Bristol have a "very clear plan" and are aware of Sale's strengths. His focus is on executing set-piece goals while bringing Bristol's preferred style of play. That pragmatic approach is part of a broader attempt to convert preseason preparation into early-season momentum.

Harding's leadership and personal ambitions are interlinked. He spoke of a period in his early Bristol career when he thought his career wouldn't be a success unless he played for England. That remains a driver. At the same time, he has publicly committed to team goals that are measurable: win more games, secure more bonus points, and achieve more consistent defence and attack.

Bristol's season officially opens at Sale Sharks, and Harding's comments set expectations: a team aware of its weaknesses, focused on practical improvements, led by a captain with both club and international aims.