Training footage circulating of injured wing star Siva Naulago exploding out of the blocks with resistance bands on at Bristol Bears' High Performance Centre has had fans in a buzz about his potential imminent return ahead of schedule.
However, Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam confirmed today that the Fijian soldier is still on track for a late November, early December return as he works his way back to full fitness following surgery on his knee in the Spring.
Lam told BristolLive : “Siva is on track but it is one of those injuries where most of the footage you will see he is running in a straight line. “He is looking very powerful and very strong, I think he is up to 105kg now and has less body fat than before his injury. He is looking pretty lean, strong and fast."
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Naulago, who stands at 6ft, is registered as 95kg on the official Premiership website, meaning the already powerful winger has put on some significant bulk during his rehab. Lam continued: “He is on track and won’t be too far away. If he was getting ready for the Olympics, 100m in a straight line, then he would be ready to go soon I would say.”
Naulago, 31, remains somewhat an enigma at the Bears having only made 13 Premiership appearances since joining Bristol in 2020 from rugby league side Hull FC, with a series of injures and suspensions following back-to-back red cards for high tackles last season, limiting his time on the field
But in those 13 appearances he has scored 10 tries, including a sensational long-range effort against London Irish, which was voted as the Premiership try of the season in 2020/21. Before his injury, Naulago’s form also had him in England head coach Eddie Jones’ sights, such is his devastating speed and power, which along with his military background has earned him ‘The Tank on the Flank’ nickname.
In other winger news, former Wallabies international Luke Morahan is a significant doubt for Friday night's Round Five fixture against Exeter Chiefs after picking up 'a niggle' away at Newcastle last weekend.
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