Bristol Bears appoint new Backs and Attack Skills Coach
Sean Marsden's in - in a surprise announcement this morning
The Bristol Bears have confirmed Senior Backs & Attack Skills Coach, Dave Walder, has left with immediate effect - replacing him with Bristolian Sean Marsden.
It's a promotion for Marsden, who's risen through the ranks over the years, having made more than 150 appearances for his hometown club.
The 44-year-old played for the side for nine years before joining the club's coaching staff as an Academy Transition Coach in 2016, rising through the ranks to take on a senior position in Pat Lam’s coaching setup.
He later became the Assistant Backs and Attack Skills Coach - and now, he's moving up the ranks again - becoming the new Senior Backs & Attack Skills Coach.
Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “I’m really pleased to promote Beanie (Sean) to the role of Backs and Attack Skills Coach – it’s a great opportunity for him to take the next step in his coaching career and he is fully deserving of the role.
“We’ve seen the impact that Bristolian Mark Irish has had on our forwards last season when I gave him the opportunity to step up and Beanie has followed a similar pathway, coming through our Academy coaching setup to have a real impact on the senior side.
“Beanie is a proud Bristolian who has a fantastic relationship with the players and all the coaches. He has worked with me for the last seven seasons so totally understands our vision and is completely aligned to the Bears Way. He is really excited by the opportunity to step up and judging by the reaction and reception he received from the playing group when we announced it at our team meeting, he certainly knows we’re all excited for him.”
Marsden said: “I’m really proud to be taking on the role of Backs and Attack Skills Coach. People who know me, know that this club and city mean everything to me and it’s a real honour to take on a senior role in the coaching team.
“Representing Bristol as both a player and coach has always been a real privilege and something I have never taken for granted. I know this is the right time for me to have this opportunity and I can’t wait to get stuck into the new season with such an exciting group of players and coaches.”