Varndell: Lam has put flair into Bears

WHEN it comes to scoring tries in Premiership Rugby, few players have struck fear into opposition defences quite like Tom Varndell.

- MARK STEVENS

Renowned for his blistering pace, clinical finishing and an uncanny ability to read the game, Varndell carved out quite the reputation as one of the league’s most prolific try-scorers.

With an incredible 92 touchdowns to his name – only Chris Ashton with 101 has more – it’s fair to say the former England international is a pretty good judge when it comes to assessing the current attacking threat of Bristol Bears.

Watching from the stands at Welford Road, the 39-yearold saw first-hand how Pat Lam’s Bears devoured Leicester Tigers 54-24 in their own lair to create a record-breaking 10th straight Premiership win on the road.

It was a victory that not only put the Bears joint top of the Premiership pile with Bath at Christmas, but further underlined the significant threat they carry this season to all of their rivals.