John Brain reckons Bristol are ready for their promotion showdown

Forwards coach John Brain says Bristol will do everything within their power to reward their fans' loyalty with a promotion party on Wednesday.

Bristol go into the winner-takes-all Championship play-off clash at home to Exeter trailing 9-6 from the first leg.

"Those supporters deserve a performance they can be proud of," Brain told BBC Radio Bristol.

"Hopefully we can give them a big party on Wednesday night that goes well on into Thursday."

He added: "This is a thoroughbred rugby club and the support we've had from the city this season has been fantastic."

Brain, who played 285 games for Gloucester and went on to become head coach at Worcester, knows all about pressure at rugby's highest level.

He is happy that Bristol are ready for their biggest test of the season before a sell-out crowd of 11,850 at the Memorial Stadium.

"We're very focused and we know what we have to do," said Brain.

"The three-point deficit is negligible really. What we need to do is improve aspects of our performance that we weren't happy with last Wednesday."

Brain reckons that Bristol are a far better team when they take the initiative.

"In a game where the stakes are so high, people are a little bit naive if they expect 'Barbarians rugby'," he added.

"There's going to be a lot of nerves out there but it's in our interest to be positive. We know we are a very good team when we play positive rugby and that's what we'll be trying to do.

"A big part of our preparation has to be geared towards getting the boys physically and mentally fresh for another big challenge."

Bristol lock Nathan Budgett, who suffered an ankle injury during the play-off semi-final victory over London Welsh, will not be fit for selection.

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