Photo via BBC Sport

Bears pair Staddon and Heward suffer ACL injuries

Bristol Bears face a significant injury crisis heading into their opening fixture against Sale after losing several key squad members. Newly recruited forward Ethan Staddon and backline player Noah Heward have both undergone surgical procedures following anterior cruciate ligament damage, sidelining them for extended periods.

Heward sustained his knee problem shortly after coming off the pitch during a Prem Rugby Cup fixture against Exeter. Director of rugby Pat Lam noted that Staddon had performed strongly in training prior to his setback, while centre Kalaveti Ravouvou is also sidelined for roughly twelve weeks due to a knee issue sustained while representing Fiji internationally.

Additionally, prop Max Lahiff is unavailable for the upcoming trip due to an ankle problem, and hooker Harry Thacker remains in concussion protocols. Lam indicated the club may look into external reinforcements if necessary, though academy prospects are currently supporting the roster.