De Scossa joins with a wealth of experience from across the globe. The former Canada Womens co-coach and Wales Women head coach, has also worked professionally in England, Australia and Italy. He also assisted Glen Ella with Australia in the Sevens World Series.
Bristol finished second in the Women’s Premiership last season and are set to embark on their first ever campaign in the new Super Rugby competition.
Heidi Chapman-Mercer, Bristol Ladies CEO, said: “Kris has a tremendous amount of experience in the world of rugby, most recently in Canada.
“He has women’s coaching experience within the WRU, Rugby Canada and headed up the coaching team at Clifton Ladies Rugby, the founding club of Bristol Ladies Rugby. We’re delighted to have him onboard at this exciting time.
“Kris has worked as a DOR, Head Coach and Performance Director across Sevens and Fifteens, so we have confidence he can bring that knowledge to his new role.
“On the back of our most successful season as a club, I believe Kris will launch Bristol Ladies Rugby into the New League with purpose, drive and a thirst to make Bristol Ladies a force to reckoned with.
“We need innovative, forward thinkers who will push us to push ourselves. We want to be the best and Kris will drive us to that.”
De Scossa, who has family roots in the West Country and a close affinity to Bristol from his time as coach of Clifton Ladies, insists he is relishing the challenge ahead.
“It was an easy decision to come and coach in the Women’s Super League and help push Bristol Ladies on to the next level. It’s a new chapter for the Club and one that everybody is excited about.
“There’s a clear vision in place about what we can achieve – on and off the field – so it’s vital we put in the building blocks to achieve our ambitions. There is fantastic quality within the squad and now the hard work begins to translate our potential into success.”
