Jeffries glad to be back after four-year absence

BRISTOL back row Sam Jeffries is hoping to take a leaf out of Boks great Juan Smith’s book, after making his first Premiership start in four years.

The versatile loose forward thanked the Bears’ “next level” support after returning in their 13-5 defeat at Newcastle a fortnight ago.

The 28-year-old fought back from patella tendinitis in both knees, which can often be career ending.

Jeffries, who for two years worked as the club’s pro development manager, told TRP: “My last Premiership start was against Newcastle at Ashton Gate at the end of the 2016-17 season. Four years is a very long-time.

“I am really proud to be back, but I’d have loved to come back with a win. It has been such a long journey and the club has given me everything I could have needed to come back.

“Pat (Lam, DoR) has been great in getting me opportunities to contribute off the field. There’s very few who’ve had the support that I’ve had and that’s something I’ve been really grateful for. I’ve built something off the field before getting this chance on it.”

The Bristol University and academy product once tipped for England has twice featured on loan for Hartpury to get game time. Against Falcons he was solid, completing ten of 13 tackles and grabbing one turnover.

He is using Bok star Smith – who fought back from serious injury to play for South Africa again – as inspiration.

“With patella tendinitis in both knees, any sort of bending, running or jumping just put me in pain all the time,” Jeffries says. “Juan Smith had a similar thing with his Achilles; he retired to his farm and after a few months realised he was feeling pretty good and played three more years, that’s my hope.

“I love being around the boys and back in amongst it. Game-time at Hartpury helped me feed back as the Premiership standard is next level. I’ve still got a long way to go to get to where I was but I will graft so I’m able to contribute to the big games.”