Marco Mama’s back to help Bristol achieve dream
Powerful back-rower Mama, a product of Bristol’s academy, returned to the club last week after six months on loan at Premiership side Worcester.
The circumstances are unusual and he will join the Sixways outfit permanently this summer, but Holley told The Rugby Paper: “Marco’s addressed the squad and he looks fit and raring to go.
“He’s told us and the players that it’s a club he’s spent so much time at and he’s desperate to help us achieve what we want to. That’s good news and it’s credit to him that he’s come back to us with that mindset, so we’ve got no concerns at all.
“Marco’s grown up at this club and has loads of friends here. He probably feels he owes the club something and having been through the heartache of losing a couple of finals, he’ll be very professional about it while he’s with us.
“He’s done very well at Worcester and has come back strong, so it’s added to the competition within the squad and he’s a quality player.”
With Wales lock Ian Evans just back from a ten-month knee injury lay-off and fellow Welshmen Gavin Henson hitting top form, ambitious Bristol look in good shape to finally return to the Premiership after a frustrating seven-year absence.
Holley, who extended his coaching contract last week, said: “It’s great to have Ian back. He’s a quality person as well as a quality player and it’s been a long drag for him.
“He’s still finding his feet but we’re ramping up his game time and he’s done okay. He’ll be fully up to speed for the play-offs.”
Of Henson, Holley added: “He’s really stepped up for us at 10 or 12 and he’s very, very astute. His kicking’s been immaculate, defensively he’s been sound and he’s been a massive positive for us in Matthew Morgan’s absence.
“Matthew will be back from Wales duty now so it’s about building our momentum, confidence and performances ahead of the play-offs.”
NEALE HARVEY
