Solomons appointed Bristol consultant

AVIVA Premiership strugglers Bristol have recruited former Edinburgh head coach Alan Solomons as a consultant for the rest of this season.

Bristol said that the South African, who has also coached Northampton and Ulster will join them with immediate effect.

Bristol are currently bottom of the Premiership, six points behind 11th-placed Worcester, who they meet at Sixways on March 5.

Solomons led Edinburgh to the European Challenge Cup final in 2015, while he has also worked with South Africa and the Barbarians.

“Alan is a hugely experienced operator who understands the game and has worked at the highest level for a number of years,” Bristol head coach Mark Tainton told the club’s website.

“With seven [Premiership] games remaining, it’s vital that Bristol rediscover our form over the Christmas period, and Alan’s arrival as consultant should give everyone a boost.

“We think he can add value to what we’re trying to do on the training field.”

Bristol have also announced that Tainton will become the club’s chief operations officer for next season.

Tainton is to take up a new post this summer, with responsibility for the club’s day-to-day operations, recruitment policy, academy and longterm strategy.

It will coincide with current Connacht coach Pat Lam’s arrival at Ashton Gate as head coach.

Bristol chief executive Steve Gorvett, meanwhile, will step down from his position at the end of this season.

Gorvett joined the club in 2005 as finance director, taking over as chief executive three years later.

Bristol chairman Chris Booy said: “I am very sad that Steve has decided to retire from Bristol Rugby.

“He has worked tirelessly with myself and the board over the past 12 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.”