Mark Tainton wants permanent coaching job at Bristol
Friday 4 November 2016 21:57, UK
Bristol's acting head coach Mark Tainton has told Sky Sports News HQ he would like the job on a full-time basis.
Tainton replaced Andy Robinson after the former England and Scotland head coach was suspended on Thursday.
It follows a poor start to the season for the newly promoted side, which has seen them lose their opening nine games in all competitions.
Tainton is Bristol's all-time leading scorer and has previously coached at international level with Ireland as well as with Wasps and London Irish in the Aviva Premiership.
"As a Bristolian, of course I would like the job on the longer term," Tainton said. "But I'm a realist. I've not been a head coach for a Premiership team for a long time.
"I've spent a number of years coaching abroad and have only been back a couple of years. I've got good experience with the two Premiership teams I have worked with.
"If the job was offered to me, then of course, I would like to accept the position."
Former South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer is favourite for the vacant role, with former Bath director of rugby Gary Gold also linked.
A Bristol spokesman suggested that a decision on the club's coaching structure would be made very soon.
"The way that we are in the legal position at the moment means that we cannot comment on anything other than on-field matters," he said.
"However, we are confident that there will be a solution in the very near future, possibly early next week."
Bristol face Worcester and Sale in the Anglo-Welsh Cup before resuming their Premiership campaign away to local rivals Bath on November 18.
