Former skipper Rafter fears for Bristol survival
They do not play in the Premiership again until November 16 but the club, yet to win in the league this season, are four points behind second-from-bottom Worcester and have claimed only two bonus points from their opening five matches.
Former Bristol skipper Rafter believes if the club is relegated from the Premiership for the third time in 11 years they may not come back to the top flight, as other relegated sides have been able to do in recent seasons.
"It is very sad Bristol are in the position they are at the moment," he said.
"The threat of relegation is looming large. Bristol have come back twice before.
"Northampton, who had a lot of money and didn't lose any players, won every game in the First Division last season.
"I just worry if Bristol dropped out there wouldn't be the same support to help them bounce back up again. It is very important we don't make that drop."
Rafter still believes there is plenty of time for Bristol to get out of their current predicament.
He reckons star scrum-half Shaun Perry cannot come back quickly enough from shoulder surgery, and fly-half Adrian Jarvis needs to start hitting the goals on a regular basis.
Rafter added: "I am sure Bristol can do it. If Jarvis had kicked as well as he did against Toulon (when he scored with seven from eight attempts) against Sale and Saracens, then Bristol might have won those matches.
"Perry is a great player. He can add to the armoury of the team but his personality will also bring more out of the players around him. He has been a big loss to Bristol."
Bristol are about to enter a crucial stage of the Guinness Premiership season next month.
With opposition sides set to be weakened due to international call-ups, the club will be looking to take advantage by gaining the points
Comment on this story