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Pat Lam gives disappointing update on Max Malins injury
By Jon Newcombe
Max Malins' planned return to action has been pushed back by a couple of weeks with Bristol Bears boss Pat Lam forecasting another month on the sidelines for the full-back/wing.
The 27-year-old England international enjoyed a brilliant start to the Premiership season and scooped the player of the month award for September before injuring his knee whilst attempting a try-saving tackle in the derby win at Bath.
Originally it was thought that Malins, who scored five tries in the first three games of the season, might be back for the Champions Cup clash against La Rochelle on December 14th. But Lam says that is now unlikely. "I think with Max it is going to be after the Champions Cup, closer to the Sale game (at Ashton Gate on December 27th).
Giant summer signing Viliame 'Bill' Mata is, however, finally ready to start his Bears career after being named at No8 for Friday's trip to Harlequins.
The Fijian international suffered a hamstring injury, which required surgery, in pre-season and has yet to play a competitive game since his move south from Edinburgh.
Meanwhile, with Josh Caulfield and Joe Batley both injured, Bristol have turned to young Joe Owen, who "has been flying", as a second-row partner for James Dun.
"I am really pleased with Joe. He started rugby late, and he is flourishing. It was his first year getting used to it last year, playing in this environment, and now he is really showing the benefit of the work that he has put in with the coaches, so I am pleased for him."
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I never understand getting retired referees involved. From the socond they retire they are out of the loop. Rules change, new way to boss the game. Every ref in world rugby is being studied now a days more than the players. What is the point of someone like Jaco?
Go to commentsWigglesworth coached Leicester to 3rd in the premiership, in a season where he only became a fulltime coach halfway through. The man has immense talent, and did a great job with England's attack in the six nations. If the attack has faltered since then that's the fault of Marcus Smith.
El-Abd is doing poorly in the D2 as a DoR; a position he was promoted to on the basis of good performances as a defence and forwards coach.
Sinfield, Borthwick, and Wigglesworth are the real talents in the English set up, but El-Abd and Harrison are much better than they are given credit.
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