Paul Hull expects Mat Turner to benefit from the "great opportunity" he has been given to play against the British & Irish Lions this evening.

The Bristol Rugby winger will line up for Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth as the touring Lions play their final match before Saturday's first Test in Durban.

The 21-year-old England Sevens star, who was born and raised in South Africa, has been drafted in by the Kings as a guest player after they learned he was on holiday in his homeland.

With regular Kings winger Ryno Benjamin injured, Turner has been named opposite Shane Williams – provided he overcomes a stomach bug – for this evening's game. He will then report for pre-season training at Bristol later this week.

And the club's head coach Paul Hull, speaking from the United States where he is coaching the England Saxons team at the Churchill Cup, said: "This is a great opportunity for Mat and one we are happy for him to pursue.

"He has the full support of the coaches at Bristol and we wish him all the best for the game.

"He has had great success with England Sevens and now, with his selection for the Southern Kings, we are eager to see him in action for Bristol next season."

Turner made only six appearances for Bristol during his debut campaign in England, scoring two tries.