The Bristol Bears have been dealt a devastating blow as hooker Gabriel Oghre and flanker Benjamin Grondona are ruled out for the remainder of the Premiership season due to injuries sustained in their recent victory over the Newcastle Red Bulls.

The duo were among several players forced off during the 52-19 win on April 24, with director of rugby Pat Lam voicing his frustration over the artificial 4G pitch at Kingston Park, which he believes contributed to the injuries. Oghre underwent surgery after twisting his knee and is expected to recover in time for the start of the 2026-27 season, while Grondona is sidelined with a pectoral injury.

To bolster their ranks, the Bears have signed hooker Fred Davies on an emergency loan from Championship side Doncaster Knights, adding much-needed depth for their final four regular-season games. "We're blessed to have Harry Thacker, a centurion here, and Tomas Gwilliam in the academy, but Geech [Ian McGeechan] has allowed us to loan Fred Davies for cover," Lam told BBC Radio Bristol.

Oghre's absence is a significant setback. The 27-year-old has been a consistent performer, starting 19 of 20 appearances across all competitions and earning his first England cap during last summer's tour of the USA. He leads the Premiership in line-out throws won (148 of 158) and ranks in the league's top 10 for tackles (146) and gain-line carries (67). "He was having a great season—he's bitterly disappointed and not keen on 4G pitches anymore," Lam said.

The injuries compound what Lam has called the worst injury crisis of his coaching career. Lock Joe Batley pulled a hamstring during the warm-up against Newcastle, while winger Noah Heward and full-back Rich Lane also left the field during the match. Fortunately, Lam noted their prognosis is less severe, offering a glimmer of hope for the Bears as they push toward the postseason.