When Pat Lam says his Bristol Bears squad are a family, and their vision and ethos at the club is built around love, there are plenty who scoff at the director of rugby.
The bottom line in professional sport is so often just winning.
But Lam has put his money where his mouth is and allowed Bears captain Steven Luatua to miss tonight’s Challenge Cup final as the former All Black awaits the birth of his child back in Bristol.
The club had organised a contingency plan to fly the All Black out on Friday morning, but with his partner, Olivia, still in labour, Luatua remains at home with her.
Lam said: “Steven was desperate to play and be with his teammates so we made sure we gave him every opportunity to get here, because he’s such an important leader for our team.
“But family always comes first and Steven and Olivia has everybody’s full support at the Bears. When we spoke this morning, I told him to focus on the arrival of his trophy and we’ll try and bring back a trophy for Bristol this evening.”
The change has forced a reshuffle with Joe Joyce promoted from the bench to start in the second row, while Chris Vui switches to blindside flanker. Ed Holmes comes onto the bench and Siale Piutau takes on the captaincy.
Luatua's absence is certainly a blow to Bristol's aspirations to win their first significant silverware in 37 years, with star full back Charles Piutau, England international number eight Nathan Hughes and key scrum half Andy Uren all sidelined with injuries.
Bristol Bears changed side to face RC Toulon
Bristol Bears : 15. Max Malins; 14. Luke Morahan, 13. Semi Radradra, 12. Siale Piutau (c), 11. Alapati Leiua; 10. Callum Sheedy, 9. Harry Randall; 1. Yann Thomas, 2. Harry Thacker, 3. Kyle Sinckler, 4. Dave Attwood, 5. Joe Joyce, 6. Chris Vui, 7. Dan Thomas, 8. Ben Earl.
Replacements : 16. George Kloska, 17. Jake Woolmore, 18. John Afoa, 19. Ed Holmes, 20. Jake Heenan, 21. Tom Kessell, 22. Piers O’Conor, 23. Niyi Adeolokun.
