Third Bristol loss not ideal says Lam as injuries mount

Bristol have had far from an ideal three weeks conceded Pat Lam, as his side fell to a third loss in all competitions and exited the Champions Cup. The Bears were comfortably beaten 59-26 by a star-studded Toulouse line-up to exit the European competition in the last 16 round. The defeat in France comes off the back of back-to-back Prem losses to Leicester and Harlequins to leave Bristol on the back foot in the race for the top four.

Bristol also have further concerns as centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg came off against Toulouse with a potential fractured cheekbone, while they also lost lock James Dun and flanker Steven Luatua to injuries. "These last three weeks haven't been ideal for us, we know that, and now it's just out regrouping, getting home," Lam told BBC Radio Bristol. "We've got a two-week build-up to Gloucester at home [17 April] and we've got six games to get ourselves into that top four.

" Toulouse crush Bristol in Champions Cup last 16 Bristol won three of their four Champions Cup group games but after finishing third in their group and drawn away to six-time winners Toulouse, they faced a mammoth challenge to reach the quarter-finals. And while captain Fitz Harding's try gave Bristol the perfect start, they conceded six before the break to go in 40-7 down with the game all-but done. The Bears rallied during the second 40 minutes, scoring through Kalaveti Ravouvou, James Williams and Noah Heward but Toulouse added another two of their own to send Bristol crashing out.

"We started off really well and we talked before the game about the way that they play, we can't give them anything for free and unfortunately, every turnover we made they scored - four tries off our mistakes," Lam said. "Then we were trying to get a grip hold on the game, we're chasing the game, and it's difficult. "By the time we got into half-time, they [the players] knew, it was like show a bit of pride for our fans that have come out.