Bristol Bears bring in international lock to ease injury crisis in the second row

Bristol Bears have confirmed the signing of Scottish international lock Jamie Hodgson on a short-term deal to sure up their resources in the second row ahead of the start of the Investec Champions Cup this weekend.

Bristol find themselves short of options in the second having lost Joe Batley until Christmas with a leg fracture, Josh Caulfield to a pectoral injury and having never really replaced Chris Vui. In contrast, United Rugby Championship side Edinburgh have good players left on the shelf due to their embarrassment of riches.

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Hodgson, 26 has five Scotland caps to his name, but has been restricted to just two starts for his parent club this season and has been allowed to move to the Gallagher Premiership with immediate effect.

Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam said: “With injuries in the second row to Joe Batley, Josh Caulfield, Steele Barker and George Taylor, we’re pleased to be able to bring in a player of Jamie’s quality and experience.

“As we head into a very busy period in the Champions Cup and Premiership, we’re going to be tested across our smaller squad, so it was important to bring in some reinforcements in that position. We look forward to welcoming Jamie into the Bears family this week.”

Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt added: “We believe this is a great opportunity for Jamie to get further game time and it also gives us the chance to further assess the development of young locks, like Rob Carmichael, who continues to train well and put his hand up for selection.

“With Sam Skinner back and fully fit, and Glen Young set to return soon, our second-row options continue to strengthen as we enter an important month of rugby. We wish Jamie the very best for this spell at Bristol.”