By Duncan Wood
July 14 2002

In the Bristol Evening Post this weekend, Shoguns Head Coach, Peter Thorburn, confirmed that his back room staff are all in place. There are a few changes in role but the faces are all very familiar.

Thorburn joined Bristol back in March when he took on a role that was originally billed as forwards coach although he had a far greater influence than this.

After Dean Ryan's departure after the Zurich Playoff final at Twickenham, he was swiftly appointed head coach which was due mainly to the huge part he played in turning Bristol's season around.

According to the Bristol Evening Post, he will continue to remain hands on in terms of coaching and has no plans to recruit anyone else to the coaching staff although he won't discount bringing in specialist coaches throughout the season.

James Grant who was recruited last summer from the ACT Brumbies will remain on the staff as "coaching co-ordinator with special responsibilities for the backs" whilst Thorburn will look after the forwards.

Former backs coach and ex Bristol fly half, Mark Tainton, who has moved into a more specialist kicking coach role over the past season will continue in this vein. He will be responsible for kicking, skills and video analysis.

Academy Manager, Paul Hull will begin to become more closely involved with the first team squad although he will still retain his role with the Academy. He will assist with the video and skills work and also try to ensure that more Academy players make the first team grade.

 

 

 

Mark Bennett, described by Thorburn as "up there with the best" will continue as fitness coach and Donna Sanderson and Keith James (left) have effectively swapped places with Donna now working 100% with the Shoguns with Keith providing assistance as and when required.

 

 

 

Finally, Phil Adams returns to the team manager role, a job he undertook after retiring as a player. He has spent the past two years working as cashback manager and current team manager, Mervyn Evans, will support him.

Thorburn's coaching and back room staff are almost in place. He said last week that his playing squad is almost complete as well.

Things are now distinctly more settled at Bristol than they were post Twickenham!