Bristol Bears scrum-coach Mark Irish to join Worcester Warriors

Worcester Warriors have confirmed that Mark Irish will join their coaching panel ahead of the 2020/21 season.

Irish will take up the scrum-coach role after working with Bristol Bears with a similar position. The 38-year-old started his playing career with Gloucester and made 146 appearances for Bristol and also had loan stints with Newbury Blues and London Scottish.

He started his coaching career with Hartpury College and joined Bristol five years back as forwards academy coach before taking the additional role of scrum-coach since 2018. He also worked with Worcester Warriors director of rugby Alan Solomons when the latter had a coaching consultant role with Bristol.

“It is great news for the club that Iro has decided to join us as our Scrum and Assistant Forwards Coach,” said Solomons to the official website of the club.

“Iro is one of the leading scrum coaches in the Premiership and has done a terrific job at Bristol.

“In his time at Bristol he has formed a strong relationship with JT, our Forwards Coach for next season.

“I have no doubt that our forward pack will benefit immeasurably from their expertise and synergy.

“Iro, who is well known to me, is a tremendous bloke and a great team man, who will fit in superbly here at Sixways. I am really looking forward to working with him.”

Irish will be the third new addition to the coaching panel with forwards coach Jonathan Thomas and backs coach Matt Sherratt also joining him.

“I’m excited to be joining Worcester Warriors. The owners have a strong vision for the future and Alan Solomons is building a talented squad and coaching team at Sixways,” Irish said.

“It’s a new challenge for me and one that I’m relishing. I’d like to thank Pat Lam, the staff, the players and the supporters at Bristol for making my time with the club so enjoyable.”