'Kyle had niggles and stuff': Bristol issue Sinckler return update

Bristol are hoping to have England prop Kyle Sinckler firing in time for their Heineken Champions Cup showdown with Sale on Saturday week. Sinckler appeared in all five Guinness Six Nations matches but was hampered by a back injury and then the round four concussion sustained against Ireland, both of which restricted his ability to train.

Sinckler, the 29-year-old tighthead, was rested for the Bristol Gallagher Premiership defeat by Saracens on Saturday and could also sit out this weekend’s clash with Northampton. Bears director of rugby Pat Lam has revealed that the key target is for him to be ready for the European round-of-16 first-leg clash with Sale on April 9.

“Kyle had niggles and stuff from those last few weeks with England, so we are giving him as much time as possible to be ready for the Champions Cup,” Lam said.

With Bristol dropping out of Premiership title contention at an early stage - they are positioned tenth in the table - continental action has taken on far greater significance for the club. “It’s always been the top and it is for every club in Europe,” Lam said.

“For us, it’s always been about the next performance. If you get that right you have got a chance. We are excited to be there.”