Scotland duo take Edinburgh reins

Scotland assistant coaches Stevie Scott and Duncan Hodge were on Wednesday appointed as interim coaches of Edinburgh.

Incumbent head and assistant coaches Michael Bradley and Neil Back have left their posts with immediate effect having agreed terms to bring their contracts to an early end - Bradley’s was due to expire this May, and Back the following season.

Scott and Hodge remain committed to the Six Nations campaign, and will take the reins as head and assistant coach of the capital club after the competition’s conclusion on Monday, March 18.

In the meantime, the players will continue the strength, conditioning and skills phase of the current fallow period of the Pro12.

Scottish Rugby Chief Executive, Mark Dodson, said: “We feel this move is necessary to give a fresh impetus to the squad going into the remainder of the season.

“Our search for a new coaching team for Edinburgh continues, with a view to getting the club back on a winning track.”

Edinburgh managing director, Craig Docherty, said: “I’d like to thank Michael and Neil for all of their input and wish them the very best in the future.

“It’s heartening to welcome the appointment of two former Edinburgh and Scotland internationalists to our backroom on an interim basis.

“I believe they are the right people to inspire our squad for the remainder of the season and assess the player group going forward.”

Scott said: “I’m delighted to be given this opportunity for the rest of the season.

“Naturally the big thing for me at the moment is my commitment to the national team but, come a week on Saturday night in Paris, I’ll be straight into Edinburgh mode and will be working with Duncan [Hodge] to get the players ready for the home match against Ulster and the rest of the season.”

Hodge echoed Scott’s sentiment, adding: “As an assistant coach to the Scotland team, my focus is completely on my role in producing a winning team in the Six Nations.

“However, as someone who played over 150 games for the club, I’m delighted to be given this opportunity to assist Edinburgh and have an influence on the last five games of the season.”