Charles Piutau doubtful starter for Gallagher Premiership opener

Bristol fullback Charles Piutau is a doubtful starter for the Gallagher Premiership season opener against Bath at Ashton Gate following a shoulder injury.

The 26-year-old sustained the blow during Bristol's pre-season friendly against Ulster last weekend which they went on to lose 14-12 where he left the field in the 50th minute after taking the field in the second half.

Bristol head coach Pat Lam said that the New Zealand international will be assessed in the coming weeks and is confident of other players taking responsibility until Piutau returns from the setback.

“Charles’ injury is unlucky, but that’s why you have to have a large squad. We will need everybody over the course of the season,” Lam told the Bristol Post.

“It’s obvious how big a blow it would be if Charles can’t play on Friday against Bath, but that’s rugby. I’ll be confident if Charles is there and in the team to face Bath, but if he’s not, the next guy steps in.

“We asked all the players to make life difficult for the coaches and we have got some serious selection headaches. The only way you win things is with a squad – it’s not about the individual, it’s about the team.

“Charles is getting his shoulder assessed and the medical team will go through everything, get the scans done, and when we know more, we’ll let everybody know. Injuries could easily happen to us next week or at any point.

“The last thing you want to do is put the players in cotton wool. They have to be ready, but at the same time freak incidents happen.”

Piutau was signed by Bristol from Ulster for a record transfer fee of £1million and he has represented Blues and Wasps previously apart from 17 Test appearances for the All Blacks.