Board Change

Esporta PLC
22 October 2001

22nd October, 2001

Esporta plc
Board Change

Esporta plc announces that Graham Coles is stepping down as chief executive of
the group by mutual agreement and will leave immediately.

Michael Cairns, a non-executive director of the company, will take-over as
acting chief executive. The process of searching for a new chief executive will
begin at once.

John Grieves, chairman of Esporta said: 'I firmly believe that Esporta will be
able to take advantage of the growth opportunities in the health club industry
both at home and abroad. We are fortunate to have someone of Michael's calibre
and experience to take Esporta forward until the appointment of a new chief
executive.'

Ends


Enquiries:

John Grieves                                 Esporta              0118 912 3500
Fiona Antcliffe/William Cullum               Brunswick            0207 404 5959


Notes for Editors

Esporta is one of the leading quoted health club operators in the UK with some
40 clubs and some 169,000 members. Esporta also has 3 clubs in Spain and 1 in
Sweden and plans to open 11 more over the coming 12 months.

Michael Cairns was appointed to the board of Esporta on October 28, 1999. He
was previously COO of Queens Moat Houses plc and has also worked as an
independent consultant.