Appointment of new Bristol coach can wait - Andy Robinson

Director of rugby at Bristol Andy Robinson stated that the club will not rush into the appointment of the head coach ahead of the upcoming 2016/17 season of Aviva Premiership.

Sean Holley, who was named the head coach of Bristol in 2013 had left his role after a three-year stint, but not before the club gained a promotion to the Aviva Premiership after eight years following their victory against Doncaster in the two-legged final of RFU Championship.

Bristol's campaign in the upcoming season will begin against Harlequins on 3rd September in the London double-header.

Forwards coach Mark Bakewell has been elevated to the role of interim coach while Bristol also have Dwayne Peel and Jonathan Thomas as backs & skills coach and defence coach respectively. Robinson believes the trio has enough experience to help Bristol achieve success in the upcoming season.

"Long-term we'll be looking for somebody to come in but it needs to be the right appointment," said former England head coach Robinson.

"But with Mark Bakewell leading the coaching at the moment across pre-season work, and having Dwayne Peel and Jonathan Thomas as attack and defence coach, Mark and my ability to unlock the knowledge that is there.

"These two guys have got phenomenal rugby knowledge, and it's unlocking that enthusiasm they've had to start with.

"Now we've got to unlock that knowledge so that our players can perform in our attacking and defensive games.

"The experience those two boys have had playing in the Premiership and also their rugby experience is as good as any. I'm going to unlock that, and that's the big challenge.

"Developing young players and coaches is why I'm in the game.

"It's great to be able to see the next crop of coaches come through, and the way they see the game.

"It's great to empower them to make decisions and with Mark and myself we're able to help them make those calls and to progress."

Bristol also managed to sign veteran Wales centre Gavin Henson from Bath in 2015. With a 15-year experience in professional rugby and having represented Wales in 33 Tests, Robinson backs the 34-year-old to guide the young talents in the squad to showcase their skills.

"Since we've signed him from Bath Gavin's been very good for the squad," said Robinson.

"He's worked very hard and he's been a first-class professional, a great pro, and he's come back in great shape.

"We didn't miss him in the play-off finals I'm pleased to say, because young Callum Sheedy stepped up, but he was only able to do so because of the guidance and support that Gavin had given him throughout the year.

"We wanted to keep as many of the squad together, so they have chances to perform.

"We've got a number of old heads, guys with international experience and recent Premiership experience.

"We've also got a number of young guys, who have done well in championship rugby but we don't really know how good they can be.

"So this is their opportunity to showcase their talents on the big stage."