Pat Lam has re-established the French connection to the Premiership by signing powerful centre Virimi Vakatawa following a chance conversation in August.
The 31-year old was a regular in the France side before a heart complaint forced the Racing 92 three-quarter, who was first capped on the wing, to stop playing last year. He has since been given the all-clear by cardiologists and has signed a one-year deal with the Bears.
“I was coaching the Barbarians in August (against Tonga in Brive) and I had a phone call from him saying he was keen to play,” said Lam, below, Bristol's director of rugby.
“The first thing was to make sure that it was possible and he said everything had been checked off. He arrived in camp and was in great nick. He said he was keen to make a comeback.
“I told him we had a salary cap but he was determined to play again. It was not about money but rugby and he wanted to be a Bear. He enjoyed the week with the Barbarians and we tion for the first round of the Premiership.”
In the past, top French internationals crossed the Channel to play in the Premiership. Philippe Sella, Thomas Castaignede, Sebastien Chabal, Philippe Saint-Andre, Raphael Ibanez, Olivier Azam, Laurent Cabannes and Olivier Magne were among them, but the movement in recent years has been from England.
“He would be starting for France in the World Cup but for what happened to him last year,” said Lam. “He has the X factor, but he also does selfless work and he understands the game. Some are good at the flashy bits but not the team stuff. Virimi excels at both.
“Semi Radradra was outstanding for us on and off the field and Virimi can be the same. It was an unexpected signing, but recruitment never agreed a contract. Most importantly, our medical team arranged tests with leading cardiologists and he passed them.
“He is buzzing to play again and his signing is great for the Premiership. He will join us by the end of the week and will be a selection opsleeps. Everything is done within the cap and we are delighted to have him.”
The Bears have a wealth of talent behind the scrum: three international half-backs, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Vakatawa and Jimmy Williams among the midfielders with Max Malins, Siva Naulago and Gabriel Ibitoye back three options.
