Steve Gorvett Decides To Step Down As CEO

Mark Tainton has been appointed as Chief Operations Officer with the responsibility of control over day-to-day operations, as well as overseeing the Club’s recruitment policy, Academy and long-term strategy.

Tainton – currently serving as interim Head Coach – will assume the new position in the summer at the time of Pat Lam’s arrival.

Gorvett joined the Club in 2005 as Finance Director, before taking over the CEO role in 2008. He helped to facilitate Bristol Rugby’s hugely successful move to Ashton Gate, while playing a leading role in establishing the relationship with Bristol Sport.

Gorvett supported the development of the award-winning Bristol Rugby Community Foundation, as well as overseeing the growth of Bristol Ladies.

“I took the decision to step down at the end of the season after twelve enjoyable years at Bristol Rugby. It’s been a period of huge transition for the Club and we have faced a series of significant challenges along the way,” he said.

“Stephen Lansdown’s involvement has served to strengthen the foundations of Bristol Rugby, and our move to Ashton Gate and strong partnership with Bristol Sport has been hugely beneficial to us, on and off the field.

“At the end of the season, we aim to still be in the Aviva Premiership with a world-class head coach already committed, a stadium that we are proud to call home and a state-of-the-art training ground on the way.

“I’m proud to see how the Bristol Rugby Community Foundation has grown in the past eight years. It’s fantastic to see that award winning work develop and grow, especially with Ben Breeze now leading the Bristol Sport Foundation and linking our community programmes across the group.”

Chairman Chris Booy added: “I’m very sad that Steve has decided to retire from Bristol Rugby. He has worked tirelessly with myself and the board over the past twelve years to position this Club for a great future. Steve has been a magnificent servant to Bristol on and off the field and we thank him sincerely for his efforts.”