Ravouvou's multi-ligament injury rules Bristol winger out until after the Autumn internationals

Bristol Bears winger Kalaveti Ravouvou faces a longer absence than initially anticipated after the club confirmed the 28-year-old sustained a multi-ligament injury representing Fiji against Canada at the Pacific Nations Cup in Japan. Bristol’s medical bulletin states the 94kg winger is “expected to be available after the Autumn,” suggesting he will miss at least the opening five rounds of the Gallagher Premiership season as well as Bristol’s Investec Champions Cup trip to the Stormers on 17 October.

The update is one of several injury concerns detailed in Bristol’s pre-season medical bulletin. Fellow Fijian Bill Mata continues his rehabilitation from an ACL injury suffered in the second half of last season and is not expected back until the New Year.

Full-back Noah Heward, who sustained a knee injury, has been ruled out for the entire campaign, while new signing from Bath, flanker Ethan Staddon, is also sidelined for the season after suffering an ACL injury. Matias Moroni, recovering from a fractured cheekbone, is expected to return next month, and Max Lahif and Khalik Kareem — both carrying foot injuries — are targeting a return in November. A comeback date for Harry Thacker, who has a neck injury, has yet to be confirmed, while loose forward Josh Caulfield is completing the final stages of his ACL rehabilitation and is expected to be available within weeks.

Amid the injury gloom, Bristol have received positive news ahead of their Premiership opener at Sale Sharks. Argentina lock Pedro Rubiolo and England hooker Gabriel Oghre have both recovered from knee injuries and are named in the starting pack. Oghre’s return is doubly welcome for the club after he recently signed a new contract extension.