Pat Lam has confirmed winger Siva Naulago’s injury return has been pushed back a further two months after the winger suffered a ‘freak’ training ground injury on the verge of his playing return.
Naulago has not run out for the Bears since April after under-going knee surgery in the Spring.
Since then, ‘The Tank on the Flank’s’ profile has risen with former England head coach Eddie Jones naming him as one of the players unable to be selected due to injury despite the fact the former rugby league man is uncapped in union.
READ MORE: Once a Bear, always a Bear: Luke Morahan epitomised Bristol's ethos as a team
Naulago remains something of an enigma having only played 14 Premiership games for the Bears since joining the club from Hull FC in 2020 due to a combination of injuries and bans having picked up back-to-back red cards last season for high tackles. However a crackle of excitement surrounds the serving British Army soldier because he has scored 10 tries in those 14 games, showing his devastating finishing ability.
The 31-year-old is the fastest senior player in the Bristol squad and during his rehabilitation from his knee injury he has hit the gym to add a further 10kg of muscle to his already bulking frame while reducing his body fat.
With Luke Morahan leaving Bristol for French Top 14 side Bayonne in the New Year, Naulago’s return is set to provide a big boost to the backline, but Bears fans will have to wait a little bit longer for the tantalising prospect of a backline with Semi Radradra, Charles piutau and Naulago in it.
Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam told Bristol Live: “He [Siva] was due back and selected to play against Saracens about three, four weeks ago [on November 5].
“He trained on the Monday, was named in the side early in the week and trained really well. Then he was in a drill and he strained his hamstring so his delay got returned.
“It wasn’t straight running, it was a competitive drill and he tried to do his goose-step and he slipped and got caught in an awkward position. It was a freak one unfortunately.
“He was really frustrated, all of us were, because he was looking phenomenal in training.
“He is due back in January now.”
READ MORE:
Bristol Bear back up their talk of making improvements with away win in Perpignan
Bristol Bears player ratings from Perpignan win - 'A big step up'
Bristol Bears chasing one of Bath Rugby’s standout performers this season
Bristol Bears bring in out of work former Wasps second row to beef up the pack
