Peter Thorburn met the media on Tuesday

Head coach
By Duncan Wood
July 3 2002

At the press conference when Scott Morgan and Peter Richards were unveiled, Peter Thorburn was happy to talk about most rugby topics. However, he was giving nothing away regarding the 'phenomenal' new signing!

Peter Thorburn, as you'd expect, was pretty open on some matters but pretty cagey on others.

For example, he openly acknowledged that Jason Little's departures was a blow and that he would have to be replaced.

"We obviously have to find a replacement for Jason and it's difficult to do that as he's a special character and a special rugby player. If you look at our midfield we have got a serious lack of experience. It will be addressed but the new player may not be in place before the start of the season."

However, he would not be drawn on the identity of the replacement despite promptings from the gathered media! He also confirmed that there wouldn't be any more departures. The Ross Blake situation had been going on for a while which makes sense when you consider that the Peter Richards signing was sorted out last November.

He was however happy to talk about the new recruits and now feels that Bristol have 4 quality locks with the arrival of Scott Morgan. One of his goals this season is to see Bristol have the best lineout in the country. He feels that all the ingredients are now there - height, aggression, ability to steal opposing ball.

He was including Andrew Sheridan amongst those second row forwards. He didn't seem to think that the front row experiment would continue as there are 5 or 6 quality props at the club. When asked about Sheri playing at blindside, he had to be reminded that Sheri had actually played there!

He is also actively trying to bridge the gap between the Academy and the first team squad. He talked of players being signed up by Bristol on a senior basis but being loaned out to other clubs to give them first team experience. Teams such as Exeter and Plymouth were mentioned.

"It seems to me like a great way for some of our players, people like Richard Skuse and Richard Hunt, to get exposure and help our neighbours."

This seems like a really good idea. The impression amongst supporters is that, whilst some of the U21s aren't ready yet for Premiership 1 rugby, they may be in the future but are cut adrift far too quickly. Getting first team experience at a slightly lower level can only help.

Finally, he is trying to get more United games lined up for next season. He has spoken to other teams and wants to get more on board. He cited the example of Mike Lipman who didn't get a game for about 3 months last season and might have made his impact earlier if he'd had the opportunity to impress.

Peter Thorburn talks a lot of sense. I know that he had made a big impression on the players. I think that the coaching side of things is in safe hands.