Geoff Moon leaves Bristol in the next fortnight determined he will be back working in the West Country in the future.

The Academy manager is heading back home to New Zealand for family reasons after struggling to find a school for his daughter.

But, after enjoying nearly three years at the Memorial Stadium, the popular Moon has plans to work in this country again.

He said: "We have a goal to come back in the future. The original plan was to stay here and we had no hiccups apart from the transfer from primary to secondary school.

"It has been a privilege (to work here). The West Country is special. I have been very lucky and have made more than 500 friends."

Former Auckland Academy boss Moon is tipping one of his close friends, Ben Sturnham, for a great coaching career.

The former Saracens, Bath, Bristol and England back row was forced to retire, aged 28, six years ago because of a serious knee injury.

Sturnham worked as Moon's assistant for several years before being release by Bristol earlier this year and was then named head coach of National League One side Newbury. Working on a shoe- string, Sturnham is battling against relegation with little funds and facilities available.

Moon added: "I have really enjoyed my time here with Ben Sturnham. We have become special friends. We are staying at Ben's house before we go home.

"We have learned a lot off each other. I also go to Newbury every Thursday to do some scrummaging coaching.

"Ben is doing a fantastic job. He has got a skeleton team. Their culture is very good and they play attractive rugby.

"Their target is survival – but Ben is going from strength to strength and I see him as a Premiership coach in this part of the world in the future."

Moon has left no stone unturned as he has tried to spot and then nurture the talent to come through at the Memorial Stadium.

He has taken training sessions at 20 Bristol & District Combination clubs as well as spending a lot of time at Clifton College, Filton College, Colston's School and Millfield School.

"It's been a privilege to work across the other side of the world, working in an industry I love, at a progressive rugby club and have my family here as well. Not a lot of people get the opportunity to do that," added the Kiwi.

"We have some players at the club who are world class and they would survive in any development programme in the world.

"There's some really good talent here like (back row forward) Richard Jenkins, (lock) Dave Attwood, etc. We've also got the Vunipola boys coming through.

"There's no one individual highlight. I have helped players progress in their careers and there's no better reward than seeing that happen.

"It's not about winning this or that. There's a lot of talent in this part of the world. We have a strong Academy and a lot of guys who are waiting for their opportunity."