The Bristol Bears' lineup took a hit this week with the announcement that Welsh speedster Louis Rees-Zammit is sidelined due to a foot injury sustained in a recent clash against Saracens. This setback is part of a larger crisis at Ashton Gate, where injuries are piling up, leaving the squad scrambling for fit players.
Rees-Zammit, only just back on the rugby field after an 18-month stint in the NFL, has shown promising form, darting in for two tries in his brief return. However, his participation in the upcoming Autumn Nations Series for Wales is now in jeopardy. Bristol Bears, in a recent statement, confirmed the nature of his injury: "Louis Rees-Zammit sustained a contact-related foot injury when tackled late in the match. He is being monitored closely by the medical team and is expected to return in the coming weeks."
Alongside Rees-Zammit, the Bears will also miss Joe Jenkins, another key backline player, who is dealing with a severe hamstring injury requiring surgery. The club detailed the unfortunate incident: "Joe Jenkins suffered a proximal hamstring rupture with his foot caught in the 4G surface while being counter-rucked. He will undergo surgery this Saturday and is expected to return in the New Year."
In response to this injury crisis, the Bears have called upon the services of Matias Moroni, a seasoned international with credentials including a Premiership title and recent victories with Argentina against the British and Irish Lions and England. Bristol's director of rugby, Pat Lam, expressed relief at securing such an experienced player:
"With the high volume of injuries to our senior backs, we’re pleased to be able to bring in a player of Matías’ experience and quality to boost our backline options for the next few weeks. He is a proven international and a Gallagher PREM winner, who will provide excellent cover."
Moroni joins an increasingly international Bristol squad, which includes fellow Argentinians Pedro Rubiolo and the Grondona brothers, Santi and Benjamin. His arrival is a crucial stopgap as the team navigates this tumultuous period filled with injuries and uncertainty.
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The Bristol Bears' lineup took a hit this week with the announcement that Welsh speedster Louis Rees-Zammit is sidelined due to a foot injury sustained in a recent clash against Saracens. This setback is part of a larger crisis at Ashton Gate, where injuries are piling up, leaving the squad scrambling for fit players.
Rees-Zammit, only just back on the rugby field after an 18-month stint in the NFL, has shown promising form, darting in for two tries in his brief return. However, his participation in the upcoming Autumn Nations Series for Wales is now in jeopardy. Bristol Bears, in a recent statement, confirmed the nature of his injury: "Louis Rees-Zammit sustained a contact-related foot injury when tackled late in the match. He is being monitored closely by the medical team and is expected to return in the coming weeks."
Alongside Rees-Zammit, the Bears will also miss Joe Jenkins, another key backline player, who is dealing with a severe hamstring injury requiring surgery. The club detailed the unfortunate incident: "Joe Jenkins suffered a proximal hamstring rupture with his foot caught in the 4G surface while being counter-rucked. He will undergo surgery this Saturday and is expected to return in the New Year."
In response to this injury crisis, the Bears have called upon the services of Matias Moroni, a seasoned international with credentials including a Premiership title and recent victories with Argentina against the British and Irish Lions and England. Bristol's director of rugby, Pat Lam, expressed relief at securing such an experienced player:
"With the high volume of injuries to our senior backs, we’re pleased to be able to bring in a player of Matías’ experience and quality to boost our backline options for the next few weeks. He is a proven international and a Gallagher PREM winner, who will provide excellent cover."
Moroni joins an increasingly international Bristol squad, which includes fellow Argentinians Pedro Rubiolo and the Grondona brothers, Santi and Benjamin. His arrival is a crucial stopgap as the team navigates this tumultuous period filled with injuries and uncertainty.