Bristol suffer blow as Luatua ruled out

Bristol Bears has suffered a significant blow with the news that the pre-season injury sustained by stalwart loose-forward Steven Luatua is, in fact, more serious than originally thought and means that the 31 year-old may only return to the pitch between mid-November and December. 

“Stevie had been flying,” said Bristol boss Pat Lam. “It was probably the best I had seen him in pre-season. It is very frustrating, he was going to go to Brive and then in the last session he strained his calf. At the moment he is probably not going to make the start of the season.  

“Stevie is going to be at least a twelve-weeker.” 

“He is looking around mid-November, December. It’s okay. It is what it is. It is an opportunity for Stevie to get better and he still contributes off the field. 

“It is pleasing that we have got Sam Jeffries who can play across the back row, Jake Heenan across the back row, having Sam Lewis on board is great, also Chris Vui who can jump into six as well and Dan Thomas is not too far off from his (ankle) niggles, and having Magnus Bradbury is great. Guys will step up.” 

Bristol take on Wasps in Round 2 of the Premiership this weekend.