Ex-Ireland assistant Tainton is poised for new role at Bristol

Former Ireland kicking coach Mark Tainton is set to become Bristol’s CEO ahead of the 2019/20 season. Following Pat Lam’s role changing to director of rugby, Tainton – who previously held the role of chief operating officer – will also formally join the board of directors at the club from this Saturday, June 1.

Following a successful season for the rebranded Bears, Tainton oversaw record commercial revenues including record season card and matchday ticket sales, as well as record merchandise sales. “We’re delighted with the way Mark has led the operations team in our first season back in the Premiership,” said chairman Chris Booy.

“He has got a fantastic relationship with Pat Lam and they are aligned in their views and vision for the club – that’s crucial for us to continue moving forward. Mark has driven the commercial strategy of the Bears and we’re in a strong position to capitalise on that success. He’s a Bristolian who lives and breathes the rugby club – it’s great to welcome him onto the board.”

Bristol’s all-time record points scorer, former fly-half Tainton served as interim head coach in 2016/17 before his appointment in a senior management role in the summer of 2017.

He added: “The hard work of the staff throughout the season has been fantastic and it’s helped the club to establish the Bears as an ambitious force in the Premiership.

“It’s an honour to join the board of directors and continue to contribute to the direction and strategy of the club as we move into an exciting future. A significant focus for us in the coming twelve months is the development of the new, world-class training facility in Abbots Leigh.

“We’ve made huge strides off-field over the past two seasons, but there is so much more to do in building relationships with commercial partners and the city to inspire our community – I’m excited about the journey ahead.”

WATCH: RugbyPass goes behind the scenes at Bristol Bears as they prepare for the 2018./19 season