George Watkins: I’ll win back Bristol fans by playing well

George Watkins insists his dream of playing for Wales remains alive despite being released early from his Cardiff Blues contract.
Wing man Watkins, 24, re-signed for Bristol last week after being deemed surplus to requirements by Blues boss Mark Hammett.
His stay in the Principality last just six months but Watkins has no regrets, telling TRP: “I didn’t want to look back in 10 years and wished I’d taken the opportunity of joining Cardiff.
“It didn’t work out but my decision was pretty informed and the circumstances of my departure will only make me more determined to succeed.
“I didn’t expect to be back at Bristol so soon but new management at Cardiff meant I didn’t fit in with their plans. There were a few options but the fact I know Bristol made it appealing to go back and I had four or five good years there.
“I went to Cardiff hoping to pursue my ambitions with Wales, but nothing’s changed there and you always aspire to play international rugby.
“It’s not at the forefront of my mind right now because I just want to play well for Bristol again and, hopefully, get promoted. But if we are in the Premiership and I’m playing well, you never know what could happen internationally.”
Watkins, left, believes Bristol fans will accept his return, adding: “There’s always going to be a few who disagree but I can change that by playing well. It’s great to be coming into an ambitious team that’s winning.”
NEALE HARVEY