Bristol Bears’ addition of highly experienced coach Dave Alred could just be a masterstroke that will have an impact far beyond his specialist kicking remit.
Director of rugby Pat Lam likes to promote from within when it comes to coaching, and has followed suit this summer by promoting former number eight and Bristol captain Jordan Crane from academy transition coach to defence coach in the wake of Omar Mouneimne's departure and bringing former club stalwart Mark Irish back to the Bears after a brief spell at Worcester Warriors, but that leaves the club at risk of not getting new opinions and expertise from people outside the club’s pre-existing echo chamber.
So the short-term appointment of Bristolian Alred, who famously helped Jonny Wilkinson and the English rugby team to glory in 2003 and has also worked with the England cricket team, British and Irish Lions, Manchester City Football Club, and golf clients including former world number one Luke Donald, could just be a stroke of genius.
