Bristol Bears and England centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg will be 'unleashed' back into rugby in December after suffering two serious head injuries in the space of three months.

The 29-year-old was stretchered off after being knocked unconscious trying to tackle international teammate Henry Pollock in the thumping win over reigning Prem champions Northampton on 3 October.

South Africa-born Janse van Rensburg had qualified for England on residency grounds in July, and then scored on his international debut against Fiji.

His second England appearance also saw him leave the field on a stretcher with a head injury against Argentina seven days later.

Following a meeting with specialists he was ruled out of England's Nations Championship campaign next month and although he has returned to training with Bristol, he is not yet cleared for contact activity.

It means he will miss Friday's Prem visit of Leicester to Ashton Gate and his next involvement is set to be against Bath on 4 December following the international break.

Director of rugby Pat Lam told BBC Radio Bristol: "We were told ideally it was 4-6 weeks but we preferred the six weeks.

"He'll be ready to go for Bath, 100%. He's out training, doing all the skills work, the only thing is they have asked not to do any contact work.

"After the six weeks it gives him a bit more time to build into the contact, ready to go for Bath at the Rec."

Lam said Janse van Rensburg was frustrated to be sidelined, adding: "He was keen to come back after the normal protocol, then the independent (specialist) wanted a bit more time on it.

"He was ready to go and wanted to play (against Exeter last Saturday) but everyone wanted to go more on the cautious side, I supported that as well.

"He is extremely frustrated but it's good, you're holding someone back and we'll unleash him later."

Janse van Rensburg - who joined Bears from London Irish in 2023 - signed a new deal to remain with Bristol earlier this month.