Pat Lam has praised the remarkable character of Bristol Bears’ centre Siale Piutau who took to the field for the club on Saturday just hours after learning his sister had passed away.
Siale started at inside centre in the 26-19 defeat to Bath at Twickenham in his 16th Gallagher Premiership game of the season.
The Bears co-captain has been a pivotal figure at the club his season and insisted he wanted to play in the derby game in front of the 60,000 at Twickenham having being told earlier that morning that his sister Ema, a defence lawyer from Auckland, had died following a short illness.
His injured brother Charles, Bristol’s star full back, was in the stands supporting both his team and more importantly his big brother.
Bristol Bears Pat Lam coach provides injury updates on Luke Morahan, Charles Piutau and Harry Randall: “We had the sad news of Siale and Charles losing their beloved sister the day of the game, on Saturday.
“Straight away when I saw him the morning of the game I gave him the option to pull out of the game, but he said no, he was determined to play that game. So he played.
“That is why Siale is one of our leaders, he is a captain. Both of them are quality people but certainly Siale is a real leader and team man. Both of them see this team as their family away from their family.
“We had enough cover to step up but he wanted to play.
“Charles and the rest of the family came up to support him and the rest of the team, so I spoke with him then.
“They will both head back home [to Auckland] for the funeral this week, back home with all their family.
“Our condolences, best wish and prayers are with the Piutau family.”
Siale, 33, who is also the Tongan international captain, and Charles, 27, grew up in a big family of five brothers and five sisters in Auckland along with taxi driver father Manako and rest-home nurse Melenaite.
Lam confirmed Siale will miss Saturday’s match against Saracens as he returns to New Zealand to be with his family.
He added: “Once we knew when the funeral was we made plans, Pacific Island weddings are Friday, Saturday and then different services on the Sunday, so they will get down for that then get back.
“They should be back early the following week, we don’t have a game that week, we have Premiership Rugby Shield game against Bath but he will not be involved - Siale has had a lot of rugby.
“Charles is able to continue his recovery while he is away, the medical team and S&C team gave him his programme and there are people down there able to help him out with that.
“He is coming along quite nicely.
“He is on track and going well, I can guarantee he will be playing before the end of the season.”
