Meyer’s Bristol move hits snag over staff

BRISTOL’S move to appoint former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer as their next director of rugby could have run into trouble.

It was widely expected that Meyer would be appointed as Andy Robinson’s successor as soon as he got a work permit from the UK Border Agency.

But my sources are telling me that Meyer could be having second thoughts about taking the job following talks with Bristol chairman Chris Booy.

I believe one of the sticking points to emerge is that Meyer, who left the Springboks after the World Cup, wants to bring his own coaching staff with him to Ashton Gate.

If a move for Meyer falls through I have been told that Bristol are weighing up making a move for former Leicester Tigers head coach Matt O’Connor.

The ex-Wallaby centre is currently assistant coach of Tonga but is known to be keen on making a return to the Premiership. ■HARLEQUINS have signed scrum-half Dave Lewis, right, from Premiership rivals Exeter Chiefs for next season.

The England Saxons ace, 27, who has been at Sandy Park since 2013 will provide back up to Danny Care when he is away with England.

The Chiefs have made it clear that they are looking to land a world class No.9 next season and have been linked with a move for Ruan Pienaar who is leaving Ulster.

The 32 year-old is in the last year of his contract with the Belfast based Pro 12 side but has also been linked with French Top 14 side Montpellier.