Photo via BBC Sport

MacGinty savouring Bristol return after long spell out

Experienced Bristol fly-half AJ MacGinty has expressed his delight at returning to competitive action following a lengthy injury layoff. The 36-year-old featured for 58 minutes during the squad's opening-round victory away at Sale last weekend, marking his first appearance in the starting lineup since rupturing his Achilles on the opening day of the previous season.

Although he initially came back toward the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign in May, a subsequent calf issue delayed his full integration once more.

Reflecting on his time watching from the sidelines, MacGinty admitted that being unable to play left him feeling disconnected from the squad's victories. The American international is currently managing lingering cramp in his right calf, which prevents him from completing a full 80 minutes while he and the staff address workload and nutritional factors.

Up nextRugby· 6h ago

Frawley's debut try seals bonus-point win for Connacht