The chief executive of Bristol Bears has said that the Gallagher Prem side factors off-field profile into discussions over player recruitment, describing the club as “a marketing agency that plays rugby”. Tom Tainton was appointed as CEO at Ashton Gate last summer having previously served as the club’s chief operating officer and head of communications. The club sit fifth in the Prem table as they chase a play-off place this season, and have made a number of eye-catching additions to their playing group over the last few seasons. Wales international Louis Rees-Zammit returned to rugby from the NFL last summer at the club and has since signed a long-term deal , while Ilona Maher ’s short stint in Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) last season drove significant interest both in the Bears and the league as a whole. Tainton cited both as examples of how rugby can market its stars, and said that Bristol consider marketability when contemplating new signings.…