RICHARD Hill has revealed that the injures suffered by three Bristol players in their final EDF Energy Cup clash with Saracens are not as bad as first feared.

Hooker Mark Regan's knee problem is not serious while centre Neil Brew, who was expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks with a hamstring tear, now faces a race against time to be fit for the clash with Northampton on Sunday week.

Second row Nathan Budgett's fibula popped back in when travelling to see knee specialist Jonathan Webb on Sunday so he will be sidelined for around eight weeks.

Head coach Hill said: "Mark Regan's injury is not serious. Neil Brew has been for a scan, seen a specialist and we are just waiting for the results.

"But we think it is a grade one tear and that would make him touch and go to face Northampton. He's not ruled out completely but it is going to have to heal pretty quickly."

Budgett, who was 33 on Sunday, will spend the next three weeks allowing his injury to settle, but faces up to five weeks in rehabilitation.

The former Wales lock had suffered a horrific looking injury midway through the first half of the 24-22 defeat on Saturday. His fibula was sticking out but, hours before having to go under for a planned operation, the bone popped back into place.

Hill said: "Nathan Budgett's injury was a bit more serious. He dislocated a bone in his knee.

"He could not get the bone to go back in and was on his way to see Jonathan Webb the next morning when the bone popped back in.

"That's better than having to go under anaesthetic and it is going very well."

Hill is ruing the fact Bristol suffered injuries to three key players in a match that was not important to the club.

He added: "It is a real blow to lose three players in a match that didn't matter.

"We did think a bit of luck was going our way as Shaun Perry (long-term shoulder injury) and Co are starting to come back."

Meanwhile, Bristol have arranged three United fixtures for this month. They will visit Oxford University on Monday (7.15pm), a week later they host Leinster at Clifton RFC (3pm) and will round things off at Harlequins on November 24.

● Clifton Ladies RFC have switched allegiances and become Bristol Ladies. They will continue to play their Women's Premiership fixtures at Clifton's Henbury-based ground.