Richard Hill is looking for a quick return to rugby following his departure from Bristol.

Hill's near six-year reign as head coach at the Memorial Stadium finally came to an end on Thursday night after a week of speculation.

He had more than a year to run on his contract, but the writing was on the wall when assistant coach Paul Hull took charge of training last week and then presided over the 32-13 Guinness Premiership defeat at Sale eight days ago.

Hill's last match in charge was the humiliating 35-3 defeat to Newcastle in the club's most recent home match, an unfitting end after a largely successful tenure at Bristol.

And, speaking for the first time since his Bristol exit, Hill said: "I had a fantastic six years at the club and I enjoyed virtually every single minute of it. I have no regrets and Bristol was an absolutely superb club to work for. It has been a big part of my life and I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club."

Hill is understood to have cleared his desk at Bristol's Clifton RFC training base on Monday and the club confirmed his departure in a statement yesterday.

The former Gloucester, Newport and Harlequins coach has already been linked with a move to French club Montauban.

And while he would not comment on any rumours regarding his future, he hinted he was keen to make a swift return to the game.

"Based on this week, I wouldn't want to do nothing for too long," said Hill. "I have got to be doing something; I can't just sit at home doing nothing.

"I would like to be doing something constructive very quickly."

Bristol, nine points adrift of Worcester at the bottom of the Premiership, host Harlequins in the Premiership on Sunday. Hull will take charge of the side, having been made head coach following Hill's exit.