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Absent Bristol Bears player reveals he suffered stroke
By Josh Raisey
Bristol Bears centre Will Hurrell has revealed that the injury that forced him from the field against Leicester Tigers in January was a stroke.
The 30-year-old left the field in the second half in the loss to the Tigers on January 4th with what looked to be a concussion. He has not featured for the Bears since that fixture at Welford Road, but after receiving “many supporting, kind and worried messages”, he revealed yesterday on Facebook about his situation.
He said: “In my last game I played for Bristol against Leicester I received a head injury, which turned out to be a stroke, an infarction of the artery on my left temporal lobe (for any scientists ).”
He described the past six weeks as “tough”, but highlighted the “unbelievable” support from his parents and the Rugby Players’ Association.
While nothing had previously been confirmed by Bristol or the player himself, the nature of his absence had started circulating on social media this week, which is why Hurrell may have addressed it. He also provided an update on how he is doing now, saying:
“I am feeling better but still severe headaches, memory loss and panic attacks.
“I do not know what the future holds but I am feeling positive whatever that is.”
He also showed his gratitude for the messages that he has received and said that he will try to reply to everyone.
A strong, abrasive ball carrier, Hurrell was loaned out to Bath in 2018 but returned to Bristol Bears upon their return to the Premiership. The 6'1, 17s stone centre has been with Bristol since 2016.
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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