Bristol suspend Director of Rugby and former England coach Andy Robinson after shocking start to season
BRISTOL Rugby have suspended their Director of Rugby Andy Robinson and have announced a “review of their coaching needs”, with the side bottom of the Aviva Premiership table.
Former England head coach Robinson led the club back to the Premiership in May, ending their seven-year stay in the Championship.
Robinson took Bristol back to the Premiership last season but has lost all nine games this season in all competitionsReutersRobinson was in charge at Ashton Gate since 2013 having previously coached EnglandGetty Images
But Bristol have lost all seven top-flight games so far this season, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the table – conceding 253 points in the process.
The club have acted quickly in appointing kicking coach Mark Tainton as acting head coach.
The 52-year-old former England and Scotland head coach has been in charge at Bristol since 2013 and only signed a new three-year deal in the summer.
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But since he signed that contract, they have since lost all nine of their competitive fixtures – including two in the European Challenge Cup.
A club statement said: “Bristol Rugby have decided, following the extremely disappointing start to the season, to appoint Mark Tainton as acting head coach with immediate effect.”
Tainton joined Bristol prior to the start of the season, having previously worked at London Irish, Wasps and for the Ireland national team coaching staff.
Bristol have conceded 253 points in their first seven league games since promotionReuters
Bristol chairman Chris Booy said: “This is clearly a very difficult time for the club, but we remain confident we can retain our position in the Premiership.
“The support for the Club this season has been outstanding and that continued backing is very important going forward. Thank you.”
South Africa’s World Cup winning boss Heineken Meyer is believed to be the man they want to save them from an immediate return to the second tier.
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