Kicking legend a new face at Bristol as Lam confirms coaching ticket

Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam has named kicking guru Dave Alred among three confirmed appointments as the club revealed its new look coaching ticket.

Alred - who has worked with the likes of Jonny Wilkinson and Beauden Barrett - joins the side as kicking coach. Alred came to fame tutoring Wilkinson before and after the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

“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," said Lam. "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."

The club also confirmed that Mark Irish is returning as scrum coach, while former England No.8 Jordan Crane will take charge of the defence.

“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.

“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