Captain Steven Luatua has recovered from a dislocated wrist to be in contention to face Sale Sharks on Saturday in the Heineken Champions Cup.
Ahead of the crucial European double header in the last 16 of the competition, that will see the Bears head to the AJ Bell Stadium on Saturday in the first leg before hosting Sale the following Friday night, Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam provided the hugely positive injury update.
“Steven will be available for selection this week,” Lam told a surprised press core in his midweek press conference.
READ MORE: Semi Radradra’s contract situation explained amidst Bristol Bears exit rumours
Luatua was injured after scoring a try against Harlequins on March 13, leaving the field with his arm in a makeshift sling from his shirt and there were fears he could face a significant spell on the sidelines. The injury came in what was his first start in several weeks having been nursing a calf issue.
Lam is certainly in no doubt his side are better off with the former All Black flanker in their ranks which is why his return for a potentially season-defining series of games is so vital to the Bears.
Sitting 10th in the Gallagher Premiership having lost 14 of 20 games played, Bristol’s season now hinges on a good run in Europe.
Discussing Luatau’s ‘world-class’ attributes, Lam said: “Steven has the experience and he sees the game from a big picture point of view, that is why he is world-class. He really understands the game.”
Crucially Luatua, who arrived at Bristol in 2017 along with Lam with the club still in the RFU Championship, also raises the standards and performances of those around him.
Lam continued: “Steven reads the game exceptionally well and he brings the best out of the guys around him and he drives them.
"He is calm under pressure and that is why he has been superb for the Bears.
"A lot of guys have learnt from him, particularly when it comes to being calm.
"You don’t have to be going crazy emotionally, it is about being calm under pressure and making good decisions and that is what he brings to us."
