Sean Holley quits Bristol post by mutual consent

Bristol first team coach Sean Holley confirmed his exit from the club by mutual consent following their promotion to the Aviva Premiership after seven years.

The 45-year-old joined the club in 2013 and helped the team reach the top of the Championship in the previous season after defeating Doncaster Knights in a two-legged final. Before his association with Bristol, Holley was part of Ospreys for nine years.

Expressing satisfaction over Bristol's promotion to the Premiership rugby, Holley said the journey took a toll on him especially with his personal life.

"I am delighted and proud to have played my part in helping Bristol reach their goal of getting back to the Aviva Premiership after a seven-year absence.

"However, it's been a tough three years with some highs and lows, and professional rugby takes its toll, especially on the family who have remained living in Wales.

"I would like to thank everyone involved with Bristol for some great memories and wish them all the best for the future, but I now look forward to pursuing some new and exciting challenges."

Bristol rugby director Andy Robinson thanked Holley's contribution to the club especially in the promotion to the Aviva Premiership and wished him good luck for his future.

"We thank Sean for his significant contribution to the environment at the club, and he departs having fulfilled his remit of helping Bristol return to the top flight," Robinson told the club's official website.

"Sean was ready for a fresh challenge, and with a tough Aviva Premiership campaign ahead, we felt now was the right time to restructure our coaching department.

"Sean leaves with our very best wishes and we wish him success in the next chapter of his career."