By Cherrybomb
June 14 2002

Former Bristol director of rugby Dean Ryan has been officially unveiled by Gloucester as the new forwards coach. Ian Smith has taken up another role, and former South African physio Wayne Diesel has also been added to the now rather large list of coaching staff, Along with Rudi Meir.

It was announced yesterday by Bristol that Dean Ryan had left, and it came as no suprise to Gloucester supporters that he has become a member of the backroom staff at Kingsholm, even though at the Zurich Championship Final Dean said that he was not going to join us.

It seems that the signings of Dean Ryan and fitness and conditioning coach Rudi Meir had been in the plans of Nigel Melville for some time, as they had worked together in the England U21's setup had had discussed working together again. It seems that Meir is not replacing Ed Archer, the current fitness coach, but working along side him. Ian Smith, the man who makes way for Dean Ryan, will become coach of the Gloucester United team.

Although we expected that Dean Ryan will become forwards coach, it seems that he is going to be acting as more of a right hand man to Nigel. Trying to keep such a large amount of staff happy and always with work to do will be hard, but if anyone can do it, Nigel Melville will be able to do it.

South-African Wayne Diesel has also joined the staff, and is one of the worlds best pysiotherapists. With the season ever lengthening and players becoming instantly worn out, his experience of working at the greatest sporting events (Commonwealth Games, Olympics) will hopefully keep as many players fit as possible.

Current Coaching Setup:

Nigel Melville (Head Coach / Director of Rugby)
Dean Ryan (Forwards Coach / Assistant Coach)
Paul Turner (Backs Coach)
David Ellis (Defensive Coach)
Wayne Diesel (Physiotherapist)
Rudi Meir (Fitness and Conditioning Coach)
Ed Archer (Fitness and Conditioning Coach)
Ian Smith (United Coach)

I think that's it, if there is anymore feel free to tell me.