Salter injury blow for Bristol

Bristol's title chances have been dealt a major blow by the injury that will rule skipper Matt Salter out of the rest of the season.

The inspirational forward dislocated his right shoulder in the 15-8 defeat at Harlequins to add to the back-row injury crisis at the Memorial Ground.

"Matt Salter dislocated the same shoulder against Harlequins earlier this season and he needs an operation on it now so that's him out for the season," said Bristol coach Richard Hill.

Number eight Dan Ward-Smith is already out of action for the next six months with knee ligament damage and Alfie To'oala sidelined by hamstring trouble.

As a result new signing Andrew Blowers, who arrives from New Zealand on Monday, will be drafted straight into the side to face Wasps next Sunday.

Hill added: "It makes our back-row problems even worse with Ward-Smith and To'oala both out and the Blowers signing is looking a good decision now.

"Losing Matt is a big blow. He played great for us last week and with the other two injured he was a key ball-carrier for us. Now we'll be struggling to find big powerful runners to carry the ball."