New Assistant Director of Rugby – Taunton School
25 Jun 2025
Taunton School strengthens rugby provision with Bristol Bears Academy partnership and new Assistant Director of Rugby
Taunton School has announced a new partnership with the Bristol Bears Academy aimed at transforming the rugby development landscape for students aged 8 to 18.
This collaboration signifies a major step forward in the School’s ambition to become a leading hub for rugby.
Central to this partnership is the appointment of Alex Allan as Taunton School’s new Assistant Director of Rugby. A former professional rugby player for Glasgow Warriors and a capped Scotland international, plus current coach for Hong Kong, Alex brings a wealth of top-level playing and coaching experience.
In addition to his role at the School, Alex will serve as a Bristol Bears Academy Coach, ensuring a seamless link between the School’s programme and the Academy’s professional development pathways.
“We are thrilled to welcome Alex to the Taunton School community.” said Ben Thomas, Director of Rugby. “His experience at the top level of the game and his current international coaching role will be an invaluable asset to our students.”
Ben continued: “I’m delighted that we have been able to solidify our existing relationship with Bristol Bears with this new partnership and I’m excited to see how this will complement our rugby provision going forward.”
The new partnership will align Taunton School’s rugby structure with the Bristol Bears Academy’s vision, introducing:
- Shared coaching frameworks and performance standards
- Enhanced technical and tactical development programmes
- Direct exposure for students to academy-level environments and training
A significant number of Taunton School students are actively involved in the Bristol Bears pathway, spanning from U15 to U18. This underlines the strength and depth of rugby talent being cultivated at the School and the clear pathway available to progress within the professional academy system.
The School has already seen three students – Caspar, Monty, and Fraser – called up to international age-grade rugby camps in 2025, representing England U17s and Scotland U18s respectively. All three are also involved in the Bristol Bears Academy.
The appointment of Alex Allan and the formation of this strategic alliance not only elevates Taunton School’s sporting credentials but also reinforces its commitment to offering exceptional opportunities for student athletes aiming for the top tiers of the game.
Taunton School has recently opened scholarship applications for 2026 entry into Year 7, Year 9, and Year 12. Visit https://www.tauntonschool.co.