Hodgson returns to Edinburgh from Bristol after injury

Lock Jamie Hodgson left the field during the first half of Bristol's defeat by Saracens

Scotland lock Jamie Hodgson has returned to parent club Edinburgh from Bristol Bears after suffering a tricep injury.

The 26-year-old joined the Bears on a short-term loan deal on 2 December and played in four games for the club.

He went off in the 25th minute of the Premiership defeat by Saracens last Saturday and has returned to Scotland as the injury requires surgery.

"He's been brilliant," Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam told BBC Radio Bristol. "He's torn his tricep muscle I think so he's going to have to have surgery. He'll be back up to Edinburgh.

"I do want to take my hat off to him. To be able to start a game against Saracens and call our line-out just shows the commitment that he put into learning our game, learning our ways.

"Top guy as we were told by Magnus Bradbury and Bill Mata and others - he lived up to that."

Hodgson's departure comes as Bristol welcome fellow second-row Joe Batley back into the fold ahead of their Champions Cup game at home to Benetton on Sunday.

Batley returns from a fracture in his leg that has ruled him out since November and is available for selection.