The Bristol Bears pack will receive a significant boost this weekend against London Irish with Kyle Sinckler, Ellis Genge and Joe Joyce all in contention to return to the starting XV after long lay-offs.
England front row pairing Sinckler (groin) and Genge (birth of his second child) haven’t played for over a month but both have trained this week and are raring to go after kicking their heels on the sidelines.
Joyce’s last Premiership appearance was on October 29 but the Bristolian should return to the teamsheet on Sunday with temporary injury cover Elliott Stooke this week signing for Montpellier. Speaking on Thursday, director of rugby Pat Lam revealed that Stooke’s arrival in early December and subsequent departure was specifically timed to coincide with the period of time Joyce will be out.
