Bristol Bears is delighted to announce the appointment of Hartpury University and College Director of Rugby John Barnes as the club’s new Head of Academy.
The 47-year-old Bristolian, who spent 14 years at Hartpury, masterminding their rise through the leagues and overseeing the development of a number of current England internationals, including Ellis Genge and Harry Randall.
Barnes will oversee a restructuring of the club’s Academy and delivery on a new, long-term strategic plan, with Keith Leaker promoted to Pathway Manager after 14 years working in the Junior Academy.
Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “We’re delighted to appoint John Barnes as the club’s new Head of Academy to take our pathway into its next chapter.
“Barnesy was the standout candidate in an extremely competitive and high-class field of applicants for this prestigious role. What he has done with the Hartpury University and College programme over many years is hugely impressive, along with his knowledge and understanding of the rugby and the people in our region.
“To be able to bring in a current Director of Rugby in English rugby’s second tier with so much experience of identifying and developing quality, young players and preparing them for professional rugby is a huge coup for the club and we look forward to welcoming him into the Bears family.
“We’re also pleased to recognise the work of Keith Leaker with his promotion to Pathway Manager. Keith’s contribution to the club over the past 14 years, embedded in the Bristol Combination and across the club’s Academy catchment area, has been outstanding and he is fully deserving of his new role.”
Barnes said: “As a Bristolian, I’m extremely proud to be appointed Head of Academy at Bristol Bears. It’s a hugely exciting role as we aim to develop the next generation of homegrown players to pull on the Bears shirt and create a winning mindset in everything we do.
“Having played and coached in this city, before spending the last 14 years at Hartpury working with hundreds of young players, I’m relishing this next chapter at my hometown club.”
Leaker said: “I am very pleased and proud to accept this new role and look forward to developing a new and impactful Foundation Phase at Bristol Bears Academy.
“Working closely with staff from all areas of the club, we are already building a purposeful strategy that identifies and develops players to progress through the pathway to the First team.
“The exciting addition of South Somerset to the catchment area will help us to produce even more homegrown talent from both Somerset and Bristol.”
