Scotland legend Peter Walton is set to leave his role as Bristol Bears Academy forwards coach, the club has confirmed today.
In a statement, the club says: “Bristol Bears would like to thank Peter for time and efforts and wish him all the best for the future.”
He joins their Premiership rivals Gloucester Rugby as head of their new academy.
🤝 @waltsrugby is set to leave his role as @brfc_academy forwards coach and will join @gloucesterrugby.
— Bristol Bears (@BristolBears) July 22, 2019
Thank you Walts for your contribution to our club, we wish you the very best for the next chapter 👊 pic.twitter.com/BbVHUx4eQP
“I’m very happy to have the privilege of being named Head of Academy at Gloucester Rugby.
“I’ve been involved with the Premiership for many years, as a player and a coach, and feel that I have a good understanding of how much it means to the Gloucester Rugby fans to have local players wearing the Cherry and White shirt, but also how important it is for the club to develop its own talent.
“There are good foundations in place, and the club has a real willingness to give youth a chance. It’s an exciting role and I can’t wait to get started and help to start bringing through the next generation of Gloucester Rugby talent.
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“In the meantime, I’d like to thank the Bristol Bears for the opportunity they’ve given me over the past 12 months.”
The 50-year-old was forced to retire due to injury in June 2000. He was assistant coach, Academy Coach and Head for Newcastle Falcons between 2000 and 2008.
Since 2008 he was Assistant Coach with England U18 during which they won three consecutive Grand Slams and had a sequence of 19 victories.