Rugby Piutau, Morahan and Vui close to making Bristol returns
I think Charles Piutau and Luke Morahan should be ready to go next week, and Chris Vui isn’t too far away, so we are starting to bring guys back
BRISTOL Bears head into 2021 with the tantalising prospect of being able to put out arguably their most dangerous backline ever.
After moving second in the Gallagher Premiership with a 27-19 win at Harlequins on Saturday, Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam revealed former All Blacks full-back Charles Piutau and Australian international winger Luke Morahan are both on the verge of a return from Achilles injuries, which has sidelined them for months.
Despite their absence this season, the Bears have won three out of four games in the Gallagher Premiership and are still alive in the European Heineken Champions
Cup after beating Connacht 27-18 in Galway.
But with qualification to the quarter-finals in Europe likely to hinge on a win at Clermont Auvergne, having the likes of Charles Piutau back fit after Fijian captain Semi Radradra made his first start of the season against Harlequins, having overcome a dead leg sustained on international duty, is a major boost.
Piutau’s return is also timely as Max Malins, his outstanding standin, suffered an injury in the win at the Twickenham Stoop which forced a reshuffle in the backline and saw Wales international Ioan Lloyd move from the wing to his more accustomed position at fullback.
Samoan international lock Chris
Vui is also set to make his return from a hand injury, sustained against Wasps on the opening day of the 2020-21 season.
With Newcastle Falcons next at Ashton Gate on New Year’s Day, and then a trip to champions Exeter Chiefs before back-to-back games in Europe, Lam said: “We are in a good place. I think Charles Piutau and Luke Morahan should be ready to go next week, and Chris Vui isn’t too far away, so we are starting to bring guys back.
“The boys who have been here since the start with the short turnaround from last season have done a great job, but we are starting to get more depth and to be able to give guys breaks, so we are pleased where we are but that first half (against Harlequins) showed we still have a bit of work to do.”
England internationals Ben Earl and Kyle Sinckler missed the game at the weekend, as they were given the first week of their mandatory two-week break enshrined by Premiership Rugby’s agreement with the RFU for EPS players.
The timing of their break means both men will be back for the trip to Sandy Park to face Exeter Chiefs.