Pat Lam left in disbelief as Bristol are hit by yet more injuries

Bristol Bears boss Pat Lam has said that he has never seen a season like it in 25 years of coaching after losing two more players, Gabriel Oghre and Benjamin Grondona, to season-long injuries.

The pair were both injured in the 52-19 win against Newcastle Red Bulls two weeks ago and will miss out as the Bears chase down a top-four finish and a place in the Gallagher PREM semi-finals.

Lam has confirmed that hooker Oghre has had an operation on a knee injury, while No.8 Benjamin Grondona, who injured his pectoral muscle, has had better news elsewhere.

Wales superstar Louis Rees-Zammit, who sprained his knee in training last month, Santiago Grondona, who has a minor calf injury, Rich Lane, Noah Heward and Joe Batley could all feature against Saracens.

Lam says they are all in modified training and will be monitored over the next few days before he names his side for the North Londoners’ visit to the West Country.

Fixture

Gallagher Premiership

Bristol

09:30

9 May 26

Saracens

All Stats and Data

“In 25 years of coaching, this season is number one (for injuries). I’m glad it happened in my 25th year coaching and not my first year coaching because I’m used to dealing with it a lot over these years, but not all in one go.

“Normally, you’ll get them over a period of time, but it’s just been consistent right through. With what we’ve been through with four games to go, with lots to play before. Pretty proud of what the squad has done.

“Gabriel Oghre twisted his knee on that pitch. So he’s had surgery and is gone for the season.

“Benjamin Grondona, when he went down and caught on the tackle, has torn a pectoral muscle. And he is out for the rest of the season. So we lost 2 for the season,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Bears have been able to bring Fred Davies, who made 14 appearances in two seasons, back to the club from Doncaster to provide some cover at hooker after losing Oghre.

“I spoke to Sir Ian McGeechan, and he’s allowed us to loan Fred Davies, so he came back into the group on Monday to add some cover in the hooker position.

“The regulations say you can only bring from the champ, and you can only do front rows across the prem, but you can’t, from anywhere else now at this stage. So, we’re very thankful to Doncaster,” he added.