Lam confirms Bears coaching team for 2022/23 season

Homegrown stalwart Irish, who made more than 100 appearances as a player for the club, previously spent five seasons as Scrum Coach from 2015 to 2020, before departing to Worcester Warriors for family reasons.

Talented young coach Crane is appointed Defence Coach after a successful two years with the Academy, while Dave Alred will bring his international experience to the team, arriving as Kicking Coach until September.

Director of Rugby Lam said: “We’re delighted to bring Mark [Irish] back into the set-up. He had a fantastic rapport with the forwards and laid the foundations for a formidable set piece during his first spell as a coach. He is hugely respected and will help to develop, nurture, and grow our young forwards.

“We’re delighted to see Jordan [Crane] continue his progression as he moves into the defence coach role. Jordan is a leader who will bring tenacity and focus to our defensive systems.

“As a decorated former player, Jordan knows what it takes to be successful and he continues our Bears tradition of developing our coaches from within, having coached a very successful Academy U18s programme.

“The key to sustainable success is world class staff and we have a tight-knit group who bring experience and a high level of understanding of our Bears system and Team Culture. Dave Alred’s appointment adds further value to the team and his contribution to our kicking strategy, working closely with our players and coaches, will pay dividends throughout the season.

“Dave is a Bristolian and a world-renowned coach. I first met him in 1997 during my time at Newcastle, when he worked with Rob Andrew and Jonny Wilkinson. I’m really pleased to bring him into our setup, and I know he’ll make significant impact with our players and coaches.

“Women’s Head Coach Dave Ward will continue to work within the men’s setup as a Forwards Resource Coach, assisting John Muldoon and Mark Irish, alongside his full-time role with the women’s team.”

BRISTOL BEARS COACHING TEAM

Director of Rugby: Pat Lam

Attack & Backs Coach: Conor McPhillips

Forwards Coach: John Muldoon

Defence Coach: Jordan Crane

Scrum Coach: Mark Irish

Skills Coach: Sean Marsden

Kicking Coach: Dave Alred

Women’s Head Coach: Dave Ward

Mental Skills Coach: Tom Bates

Academy Transition Coach: Brad Barnes

Academy Transition Coach: Danny Grewcock

Junior Academy Coach: Keith Leaker

Recruitment Manager: Paul Larkin

Senior Academy Manager: Gethin Watts

Junior Academy Manager: Gary Townsend