Bristol Bears are set to welcome back talismanic duo Charles Piutau and Steven Luatua from injury this weekend for the Round 11 trip to Sale Sharks in the Gallagher Premiership.
Fijian superstar centre Semi Radradra could also feature on a teamsheet for the first time since playing the same club in April in the Heineken Champions Cup having since undergone knee surgery. Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam said Radradra will definitely be back to face Leicester Tigers a week later if he does not feature at Sale.
READ MORE: Pat Lam provides injury update on Bristol Bears skipper Joe Joyce
Speaking in his midweek press conference ahead of the trip to the AJ Bell Stadium on Saturday, Lam said: “Charles is back now after his injury to his nose [which was broken and cut open, requiring staples].
“Stevie Luatua is finally back [from a calf injury suffered in pre-season], he has been sitting on 99 games for the club, it was meant to be 100 in round one against Bath - now he gets his chance to get out there for his first game of the season which is exciting. He is good to go.
Lam added: “Semi is not far, he will certainly be available next week against Leicester.”
Bristol head into the game sitting a disappointing 10th in the table having seen most of the club’s biggest star names absent through injury or on international duty in the early stages of the season.
Lam said: “It is hard when you lose crucial players all at the same time, a lot of our experienced players have been out, but it has been good because it has forced us to make sure we are getting the most out of, and developing, the guys coming through.
“But just their presence in the team, their game smarts, their experience and their knowledge, as well as their ability, is so valuable. They have been using it to support players, Semi has done some great work with Joe Jenkins and Deago Bailey, Charles as well, but it is great to get them back playing. They are dead keen to get back.”
Former Sale fly-half AJ MacGinty is also back in Bear Country following his disappointment as the USA drew with Portugal in their final Rugby World Cup qualifier and in doing so failed to make the tournament in France next Autumn. He will be looking to make an immediate impact against the Sharks, most likely coming off the bench with Welsh international Callum Sheedy in fine form in the 10 jersey.
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