Mama – Everyone wants to be involved at Bristol

Marco Mama insists every Warriors player wants to be involved in the Boxing Day Aviva Premiership clash with Bristol Rugby. 

Warriors sit in 11th place, six points ahead of Bristol at the foot of the table. 

And Mama revealed that every player wants to be a part of what is a ‘special event’. 

He said: “It’s an exciting prospect going to Ashton Gate. With the league position, there’s more emphasis on getting the win.

“An enjoyable side of this Warriors-Bristol rivalry is that we play a lot of rugby with each other. We’ve had some incredible games in the past and I’m sure that this one won’t fail to produce either.

“It’s always a special event and every player in the squad hopes to be involved, especially in the Premiership.”

Warriors have been in European action over the past fortnight in which a number of young and fringe players have put their hands up for Premiership selection. 

Mama, who made his return from injury on Friday night, is hoping he’ll be on the teamsheet to face his former Club on Boxing Day, although he knows there is stiff competition for places.

He explained: “It’s been close to three months that I've been out of action so it’s about getting out there now and playing some rugby. 

“There’s a lot of competition across the board. The back row has been playing very well recently. 

“Alafoti Faosiliva provides a different dimension and it’s fantastic to see Sam Lewis back. I’m really chuffed for him after one of the toughest injuries.

“Matt Cox has been exceptional in these last two games so that’s the sort of competition you want. It’s good to see people using the European competition to put their names up for selection in Premiership.”

Mama also paid tribute to fellow back row Dewald Potgieter who skippered the side in their last Premiership outing.

He continued: “Dewald is playing some really good rugby. He is a very physical, abrasive player. He is very intellectual and on the field you only have to look at his face to see the style of rugby player that he is! 

“He’s risen to the role as captain very well. He’s got international experience and has played across the world so he provides a different element as captain.”

With a busy week ahead of the match, Mama admits that although the players will be off on Christmas Day, they will have their attentions firmly fixed on the Boxing Day clash. 

He added: “It’s the one time of the year where you don’t get the luxury of Christmas. You’re jealous of the people that get the time off to enjoy the holidays but it’s a small sacrifice we have to make for the careers that we have. 

“We’ll enjoy Christmas Day with our families but we’ll certainly have one eye firmly fixed on that game on Boxing Day.”


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