Dave Walder to join Bristol Bears backs and attack skills coach

Bristol Bears have appointed former Newcastle head coach Dave Walder as their backs and attack skills coach ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Walder left his role as director of rugby of Newcastle Falcons in March and now will reunite with his former team-mate Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam.

The 44-year-old racked up over 1,000 Premiership points as a player for Wasps and Newcastle and initially joined the Falcons as an backs and attack coach before becoming their head coach.

“I’m hugely excited by this opportunity and can’t wait to get started with the Bears. I know how ambitious this club is and look forward to contributing to the vision and long-term success at Ashton Gate," he told the club's official website.

“Knowing Pat well from my playing days at Newcastle, I’m looking forward to working with him and the rest of the coaching staff at the club. It’s a talented group of players with a world-class training facility, so I’m relishing the challenges ahead.”

Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam is excited with the prospect of Walder joining the club.

“With Conor moving on at the end of the season, we’re delighted to be able to bring someone of Dave’s calibre into the coaching team.

“He is an exceptional coach who has already amassed a huge amount of experience and respect in the Premiership, both as a backs and attack coach and more recently, a head coach at Newcastle Falcons.

“He has an excellent understanding of the game, a great rapport with the players and I believe he will add huge value to the Bears on and off the field.”