Talking points: Wasps (a) - Gallagher Premiership

Injuries and international call-ups

The Bears will be without England trio Kyle Sinckler, Ben Earl and Max Malins and Welsh pair Callum Sheedy and Ioan Lloyd, as well as nine other senior players through injury on Sunday. But Lam believes it’s a prime opportunity for others to stake their claim ahead of another jam-packed season.

“The more successful we are, the more players that will be involved in international rugby, which is fantastic. Also, the way game is and how physical it is and what we all sign up to, players are going to be injured, and that’s what we talk about, which is why we have our Integrated Academy guys, our homegrown players coming through and training side-by-side with the seasoned pros and these world class players.

“So, they are not only learning from them, but more importantly, learning the culture, learning the game, learning our Bears systems, so that when they get an opportunity, it’s not about that individual playing for himself, it’s about him playing for the club and playing for our community, and stepping up and getting the job done.

“If we do that, that’s what is going to make us stronger and stronger as a team.”

'Back in the mix'

Henry Purdy on his return to action: "It was tough to miss the big games at the end of last season, but it was great to see the lads win the Challenge Cup and sign off a really successful season," he said.

"I'm delighted to be back in the mix. I've really enjoyed being back in training - the boys have come back in good shape and are ready to get stuck in.

"I'm fully fit and really excited to get back on the pitch for another season. It hasn't felt like an off-season, more like a mid-season break, but the lads are excited to be back and really keen to build on what we achieved last time out.

"We know what we want to achieve and we know we need to take things to another level if we are to achieve what we want to." 

Building on success

Lam on reaching the next level: “Winning a trophy was a great reward for the club and everyone involved in the club and the work that we’ve done,” he said.

“We talk about our vision of inspiring the community through rugby success – that was a clear moment, but it’s a moment in time and history and it’s something we can look back on.

“But now, it’s about moving on to the next moment of inspiration – what we do daily here and what we can do throughout the whole season, and that’s why we’re excited to start again, and you couldn’t ask for a tougher game than Wasps away.”