Protheroe benefiting from time with Bruce

GIFTED full-back Mat Protheroe believes testing himself under Premiership legends Pat Lam and Bruce Reihana at Bristol will help him fulfil his untapped potential.

England U20s star Protheroe claims a lack of opportunities forced him to quit Gloucester this summer and that a year in the Championship can provide a career boost.

Protheroe, 20, said: “I enjoyed my time at Gloucester but wanted to accelerate my career and with where I was in the pecking order and Jason Woodward going there, I couldn’t see a future for me.

“When the opportunity came with Bristol, especially with the coaching changes they were making, I viewed it as an opportunity to start afresh.

“Pat Lam’s instilled a really good team culture, one that’s not just about the rugby but embraces the whole city and our supporters, while Bruce Reihana’s brought fantastic insight and has been absolutely brilliant for my game so far.

“I’ll always back myself in attack – something that was instilled in me at Hartpury College – and I’m trying to nail down my place kicking. Bruce has added a lot there and, as a 15 it’s great to have that extra string in your bow.

Swansea-born Protheroe was the subject of an international tug of war last year before choosing to represent England 20s.

“I want to help Bristol get into the Premiership and if anything comes up internationally I’ll cross that bridge when it comes.”