Bristol Bears are set to be without second row Joe Joyce until the New Year after the regular captain of the club injured his shoulder against South Africa A.
Bristolian Joyce, who is leaving his hometown club at the end of the season to join United Rugby Championship side Connacht, hurt his shoulder while skippering the Bears to a famous 26-18 victory over South Africa A last week at Ashton Gate.
Discussing the diagnosis from the club’s medical team, Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam said: "Joe, unfortunately, picked up a shoulder injury but thankfully I don’t think he is going to need surgery. It could be about six weeks out at this stage, that is what I am told by the medical team.”