Absent Bristol Bears player reveals he suffered stroke

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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