Bristol's injury troubles ahead of Challenge Cup

Injuries to key players have set Bristol Bears back significantly as they prepare for their Challenge Cup final on Friday.

Star fullback Charles Piutau and centre/wing Henry Purdy are both out of contention while number 8 Nathan Hughes and lock Chris Vui are still undergoing assessments.

"There are a few niggles we have got to overcome before Friday, so I have given the guys as much time as possible," Lam said.

"Obviously, Nathan Hughes and Chris Vui from the weekend, but I think the game has come too early for Charles Piutau and Henry Purdy. They won't be making it for this week.

"It has naturally been quite a light couple of days of training to make sure we have a full tank and are ready to go for Friday."

Bristol, no doubt somewhat weary after a 47-24 defeat to Wasps in the Premiership semi-finals this last weekend, travel to the Stade Maurice David where Toulon lie in wait to compete for the Challenge Cup. Should Bristol emerge victorious, it will be their first European trophy.

"With Covid, we have to be in the hotel, we can't leave the hotel and it's a 9pm kick-off," Lam said.

"We have a chartered plane on Thursday, we are the only ones in the hotel and it is about eight miles from the ground.

"We will have a police escort and straight in there to the ground. Then up early the next day out and back in Bristol by 10.30am on Saturday.

"This week, at the end of the 80 minutes, there is a cup at the end of it.

"We all understand the enormity of the challenge, and this is where we want to be every year at the business end.

"This is the last time we plan on being in this competition as we move on to the Champions Cup next year, and hopefully the year after that."