Sean Marsden replaces Dave Walder as backs and attack skills coach for Bristol

Bristol Bears have announced that Sean Marsden has been promoted as the new Backs and Attack Skills Coach of the Premiership club.

The decision follows after Dave Walder has left the club with immediate effect.

The 44-year-old played over 150 times for Bristol during his nine-year tenure with the club before transitioning to Academy Transition Coach in 2016.

“I’m really proud to be taking on the role of Backs and Attack Skills Coach," he told the club's official website.

"People who know me, know that this club and city mean everything to me and it’s a real honour to take on a senior role in the coaching team.

“Representing Bristol as both a player and coach has always been a real privilege and something I have never taken for granted.

"I know this is the right time for me to have this opportunity and I can’t wait to get stuck into the new season with such an exciting group of players and coaches.”

Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam is confident that Marsden will step up to the role.

“I’m really pleased to promote Beanie (Sean) to the role of Backs and Attack Skills Coach – it’s a great opportunity for him to take the next step in his coaching career and he is fully deserving of the role.

“We’ve seen the impact that Bristolian Mark Irish has had on our forwards last season when I gave him the opportunity to step up and Beanie has followed a similar pathway, coming through our Academy coaching setup to have a real impact on the senior side."