A former Bristol rugby coach has died suddenly aged 53 while working in Italy.
New Zealander Geoff Moon spent three seasons at the west country club joining in 2006 as their academy manager.
He also took the reins of the forwards during a stint in the Premiership.
We are saddened to hear of the loss of former #BristolBears Academy manager Geoff Moon, who passed away today.
Our thoughts are with Geoff’s family at this time. pic.twitter.com/dKpSbHgksq
— Bristol Bears (@BristolBears) January 8, 2019
He arrived in Bristol having earned his spurs at the Auckland Blues as their academy manager helping nurture the careers of seven future All Blacks including hooking legend Keven Mealamu.
Moon was in Italy working with Viadana rugby club at the request of friends there, when he was suddenly taken ill and died in hospital in Parma a few days later.