Pat Lam will lose a second member of his first-team staff this summer with academy and scrum coach Mark Irish joining Worcester Warriors’ when his contract expires at the end of June.
Irish, who has been with Bristol Bears for the last five years, will follow forward coach Jonathan Thomas in swapping Ashton Gate for Sixways. Worcester director of rugby Alan Solomons served as coaching consultant as Bristol in 2017.
After first being appointed to the backroom staff in 2015, Irish has shared the role of academy coach with his scrum work since 2018 and has played a key role in improving the Bears scrummaging power this season.
A Bristol stalwart, the 38-year-old also made 146 first team appearances for the team from 2005-2012, ending a 12-year association with the club over two spells.
"It’s been a difficult decision to leave Bristol, but I know that it’s the right time to take on this new challenge,” said Irish.
"My wife has family roots close to Worcester and that’s important to us both, as well as me continuing to develop as a coach in the Premiership.
"The past three seasons working with Pat [Lam] and the coaching team have been fantastic and, after such a long association with the club, I’m pleased to depart knowing Bristol has a bright future ahead.
"Pat has been great during this period – very supportive and understanding – and I appreciate that. I’d like to thank the management, players and all of our fans for the support they have shown me.
"I’m excited by the opportunity at Worcester. They’re building a new coaching team with a fresh vision so it’s a challenge I relish."
Irish will serve as assistant forwards coach to Thomas, whose June departure was confirmed back in November, at Worcester.
Irish will become the third new member of Solomons’ coaching team with former Wales backs coach Matt Sherratt, who began his coaching career in Warriors’ Academy, returning to Sixways as backs and attack coach from Ospreys.
John Muldoon will take over as forwards coach from Thomas in Bristol for 2020/21 but there has been no word as yet as to Irish's replacement.
"From working with the Academy in my first season at Bristol to being a key part of our first team management, Iro has developed into a quality coach. His diligence and detailed knowledge of the scrum has helped drive our progress and team performance," Director of Rugby Lam said.
"Iro is an outstanding team man and everybody respects him. We wish him and Clare well. It’s never an easy decision to step off the bus and move on from somewhere you have such a close affinity to, but Iro leaves for the right reasons and we wholeheartedly support him and look forward to seeing him succeed in the future.
"Although the uncertainty of our season means we can’t give our departing players and staff a proper send-off before the summer, we will ensure we get everybody back together once the campaign is over to recognise the leavers’ contributions to the Bears."
