Bristol Are Not Messing Around As Favourite Emerges For Director Of Rugby Role

Former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Andy Robinson as director of rugby at Bristol.

The former England and Scotland head coach was suspended on Thursday following a disastrous start to the season that has left them in danger of instant relegation thanks to nine successive defeats.

Robinson guided Bristol back to the Premiership in May after a seven-year spell in the Championship but his side are already in danger of being cast adrift at the bottom of the table following what the club described as an “extremely disappointing” start to their campaign.

Mark Tainton, the club’s kicking coach has been placed in temporary charge as the club conduct a full reviewing of their coaching set-up. Robinson is unlikely to remain at the club, despite signing a new three-year contract in August.

Former South Africa coach, Meyer, who has experience of coaching in the Premiership with Leicester, heads a shortlist that also includes former Bath director of rugby Gary Gold.