Bristol Bears have suffered a hammer blog of an injury with ‘le petit general’ Harry Randall ruled out until the New Year with a hamstring injury.
This season Randall looked to be returning to the type of form that saw him work his way into England head coach Eddie Jones’ plans in recent years, earning six caps, but he is now set for three to four months on the sidelines having had surgery on his injured muscle which was partially torn off the bone.
Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam said: "We have unfortunately lost Harry Randall. He had surgery yesterday on a hamstring tear he got tackling against Exeter, I think it was on Jack Nowell. He got caught in an awkward position.
READ MORE: Bristol Bears' loss to Exeter showed they're 'a million miles away' from being title contenders
"He will be gone for potentially three to four months, hopefully it will be earlier, but that is a loss for us but it is time for Andy [Uren] and Tom [Whiteley] to step up. The next guys needs to come through.
"I feel for Harry but it is like anything, injuries are an opportunity to improve."
Randall's 2021/22 season was also disrupted by injuries after twice getting crocked while away with England, injuring his hip flexor during a paddle-boarding team-bonding exercise ahead of the Autumn Nations Cup and then suffering an ankle injury ahead of the Guinness Six Nations.
The number nine jersey at the Bears will now be competed for between primarily Andy Uren and Tom Whiteley with Oscar Lennon behind them in the rankings.
Despite a number of high quality Worcester players now free agents following the termination of their contracts last week due to the financially struggling club being wound-up by the courts, including scrum halves Gareth Simpson and Will Chudley, Lam says he does not plan to go to the transfer market to replace Randall just yet.
Directors of rugby have additional salary cap budget available to them as injury dispensation when players are ruled out for 12 weeks or more, which Randall is expected to be.
READ MORE:
Bristol Bears player ratings from Exeter Chiefs defeat - 'Had little impact'
‘Ready for the Olympics but not rugby’ - Injury latest on Bristol Bears star Siva Naulago
Bristol Bears confirm Max Malins signing, contract length confirmed and first words
-
Bristol Bears ‘icon’ Ellis Genge joins Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Sports agency
