Bristol restructure club hierachy

Bristol have revealed a major shake-up of their boardroom as they bid for Premiership survival.

Chris Booy comes in as chairman of the league's bottom side, with John Laycock as his deputy and John Portch as deputy chief executive.

The board will unveil plans for the club's future at the end of the month.

"Whilst we plan for all eventualities I am confident that with everyone behind us we'll stay up," said chief executive Steve Gorvett.

Booy told BBC Radio Bristol: "I've been a life-long supporter and it means a lot to me to be in charge, so to speak.

"We're very much in the relegation battle but the players are very fired up and we're very confident we can overcome this battle and build for next season."

Richard Hill's side have won just one league game all season and are seven points adrift of Newcastle, who they face on Friday.