‘We’re relishing Premiership return’ - Lam

Bristol’s last league outing was as far back as January 5^th and saw them battle to a losing bonus-point against Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park.

Two rounds of European Challenge Cup action followed, as Lam’s side secured a safe passage into the quarter-finals, before a home defeat to Exeter saw Bristol exit the Premiership Rugby Cup.

And after a long lay-off from league action, the head coach is excited to get stuck in.

“At this stage of the season, every game counts more than ever and there’s something riding on it every time we take to the field,” he said.

“We understand the challenge that we face against a quality side who are currently above us in the table. It’s exciting and it’s what we relish as staff and players.

“We have put a lot of work into the game and prepared well. Everything is geared towards kick off on Friday evening in front of our home support.”

Bristol head into the game off the back of a solid week of preparation, which included a trip to Pennyhill Park to train against Eddie Jones’ England squad. And Lam says the session was highly beneficial for his side.

“I got hold of Eddie Jones, because we were looking at the fixture list and thinking we could get hold of one of the Welsh teams. But I was driving home and remembered England played on the Sunday, so I got hold of Eddie and he invited us down.

“It worked out brilliantly for us and ticked all the boxes for both teams. So, it was good for our guys to experience it and understand the speed, intensity and accuracy. It was so impressive and that is what we’re aiming for here.

“It’s a nice build up to these four big fixtures, starting on Friday night.”

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