Former Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley has taken on a new role with Cheltenham Tigers, just weeks after leaving the Welsh club. He will help with the commercial side of the organisation, focusing on sponsorship relationships.
Bradley stepped down from his position at the Ospreys in July after two-and-a-half years at the club. His final year was marked by uncertainty over the Ospreys' future, with the Welsh Rugby Union considering cutting a professional team in west Wales.
New role announced by Jill Douglas
Sports broadcaster Jill Douglas, who serves as Cheltenham Tigers' president, revealed Bradley's new role on Instagram. She wrote: "Great to welcome Lance Bradley into the @cheltenhamrugby family! Brings a wealth of experience and he is keen to volunteer and help out commercial/sponsorship relationships."
In a statement on the club's website, Douglas added: "We're so pleased to welcome Lance on board with Tigers. It's not often that someone with his experience not only lives on your doorstep, but also has the time to volunteer to help out."
Bradley on his decision to stay involved
Bradley confirmed he had planned to retire after leaving the Ospreys but was tempted to remain involved with Cheltenham. He said: "I had decided to retire when I left Ospreys in July, but with Cheltenham Tigers right on our doorstep, I felt it was a good opportunity to stay involved in rugby. I've known Jill for many years, so gave her a call to see if they were looking for volunteers."
He added: "There's a great set up at the club, with a flourishing mini and youth section, and a very successful women's team. The men had a tough season last year but I'm sure they can turn things round. I'm going to be working on some of the commercial business, especially around sponsorship. I'm sure local companies will want to get involved in Cheltenham's biggest and most welcoming community rugby club."
Ospreys tenure and departure
Bradley joined the Ospreys after four years in charge of Gloucester. During his time at the Ospreys, he was involved in navigating the club through an uncertain period. In his first few months, the Ospreys reached the URC quarter-finals, but head coach Toby Booth left and was replaced by former Wales wing Mark Jones.
Earlier this year, the Ospreys' owners Y11 entered negotiations to buy Cardiff from the Welsh Rugby Union, but that deal fell through. Bradley also oversaw the club's move away from the Swansea.com Stadium, with the Ospreys moving into St Helen's this season after a year in Bridgend.
The Ospreys said in July that a replacement for Bradley would be announced in due course.
