Gallagher Premiership Rugby: Stuart Hogg lauds Bristol Bears star Virimi Vakatawa - 'He is box office'

Bristol Bears’ star signing Virimi Vakatawa is “box office”, according to TNT Sports expert Stuart Hogg, who revealed that Finn Russell and Simon Zebo described the French centre as “hands down” the best player they have played with.

France star Vakatawa was forced into an early retirement last year due to a heart condition, but he was cleared to return to competitive action by an expert panel of cardiologists before joining the Bears.

Vakatawa was named on the bench for the curtain-raising fixture of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby season on Friday as Bristol host Leicester Tigers.

Former Scotland international and TNT Sports pundit Hogg said ahead of the game that he was told first-hand about the world-class ability of the new Bears man, after a summer of many ins and outs at Ashton Gate.

“You look at the quality that has left this club. The likes of Charles Piutau, Semi Radradra, household names,” Hogg said.

“Andy Uren and Henry Purdy are big ones for me as well because they have been the heartbeat of this side for a long time.

“Then you look at the people who are coming in, and the top one there is Virimi Vakatawa.

"I’ve spoken to a few boys who have been fortunate enough to play alongside him in Finn Russell and Simon Zebo.

“They say he’s hands down the best rugby player they’ve ever played with. I am properly buzzing to see him playing in the Premiership because he’s box office.

"That’s what everyone wants to see.”

Bristol's clash with Leicester is one of three live Gallagher Premiership Rugby games on TNT Sports this weekend.

On Saturday, Exeter host champions Saracens at Sandy Park, before Sale Sharks are at home to Northampton Saints on Sunday.

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