Vakatawa grateful to Lam for giving him a chance at Bears

By PAUL REES

Virimi Vakatawa says he feels blessed to be playing rugby again after being told last year that a heart condition meant his career was over.
The 31-year old France powerhouse centre had been a central figure in the national side as they geared up for this year’s World Cup, but the decision taken by the Top 14 governing body’s medical committee meant he could not play at any level in the country.
He took a second opinion this year and after being cleared to play was signed by Bristol after the club’s director of rugby, Pat Lam, coached the Barbarians earlier this year with Vak...

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