England forward taken to hospital after worrying injury

The 32-year-old required lengthy treatment at Ashton Gate after going down during the second half, with play stopped for around 10 minutes while medical staff attended to him.

Thacker was eventually placed on a stretcher and carried from the pitch to a huge ovation from both sets of supporters.

Encouragingly, the Bristol star was able to give the crowd a thumbs-up as he left the field.

Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam confirmed after the match that Thacker had suffered a neck injury and had been taken to hospital.

Lam said: “Harry was on fire, he’s a special guy and a special player. He had a neck injury and has gone to hospital and all we can do is hope that he’s okay.”

The incident came in the 52nd minute and cast a shadow over what had been an outstanding individual performance from the hooker.

Thacker had already crossed twice for Bristol and played a major role in their attacking display before his premature departure.

The Bears eventually held on for a remarkable 43-40 victory, opening their 2026/27 campaign with a win in front of their home supporters.

Bristol scored seven tries during a breathless contest, with Paddy Pearce, Jimmy Halliwell, Gabriel Ibitoye and Noah Heward among those crossing alongside Thacker.

Gloucester fought back strongly in the closing stages, but Pat Lam’s side survived to secure the three-point victory.

However, attention after the final whistle inevitably turned towards Thacker, with Bristol posting a message of support for their hooker following the concerning incident.

Further updates on his condition are expected following medical assessment.