Bristol Bears defence coach Omar Mouneimne has left the club by mutual consent with immediate effect.
Mouneimne's departure comes less than three weeks after The Daily Telegraph published a story reporting senior players had confronted the coach aledging he was behind the use of a Twitter ‘burner’ account called “GrindRugby”, which has now been deleted, that was criticising director of rugby Pat Lam for the lack of time given to defence in training.
Mouneimne has strenuously denied any involvement and has been in the coaching box at Bristol since the accusations came to light.
His departure comes a week before the end of the season, with the Bears heading to Sale Sharks on Saturday in Round 26 of the Gallagher Premiership.
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Noticeably in the Bears' statement confirming Mouneimne's departure, there were no comments from Lam himself, instead that was left to chairman Chris Booy.
Booy said: “Omar has added real value with his contribution to the team and he leaves for the next chapter in his career with the support of the organisation.
“Omar is a respected member of our coaching set up. It’s now the right time for him to take on a new challenge and he departs with our best wishes.”
Mouneimne began his coaching career with South Africa Sevens, before helping Super Rugby side the Stormers to the 2010 final. He served as defence coach for Italy in 2011 when the Azzurri beat France for the first time in the Six Nations and also spent a spell at French Top 14 side Stade Francais.
The defence coach spent two years at Ashton Gate having arrived from Worcester Warriors in July 2020, helping the Bears to a maiden Challenge Cup title and a first-placed finish in the Gallagher Premiership in 2021.
Mouneimne added: “I’m proud to have been able to play my role in the Bears journey and there have been many highlights along the way, including major silverware and conceding the second fewest points and tries last season.
“I’d like to thank the players and staff for my time in the West Country and making me and my family so welcome. I’m excited about what lies ahead and I’m relishing the next challenge that awaits.”
Mouneimne is the second Bears coach to move on over the summer with scrum coach John Afoa, who of course is still playing, leaving for French ProD2 side RC Vannes on a two-year contract.
Bristol Bears Womens head coach Dave Ward will assume full responsibilities for the scrum having already been involved in that area this season.
