Jake White loses another coaching brain
TRANSFER NEWS: Just a few days after the Bulls announced the departure of assistant coach Russell Winter, the franchise is set to lose another backroom staff member.
Sean Everitt is set to leave the Bulls and take up the role as head coach of Edinburgh for the upcoming 2023/24 season, on an initial one-year deal, subject to visa.
The former Sharks head coach will lead the club’s coaching group for the new campaign, joining from Bulls – where he has held a consulting position since February – with immediate effect.
An outstanding attack and backline coach, Everitt brings a wealth of experience to Edinburgh, having been part of the Sharks organisation for 15 years (2007-2022).
Handed his coaching start at age-grade level and then developing through the Sharks coaching system, Everitt is a renowned man-manager, and his teams are celebrated for playing an attractive, exciting, and winning style of rugby.
Everitt rose to the head coach position at the Sharks for three seasons, leading them in Super Rugby, the URC, EPCR Champions Cup and Currie Cup (Finals in 2020/21 and 2021/22), while managing some of the biggest names in South African rugby – including Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and South African internationalists Lukhanyo Am and Pat Lambie.
Everitt will link up with the squad this month, bringing added leadership to a coaching group that includes Stevie Lawrie (forwards coach), Michael Todd (defence coach) and Rob Chrystie, who was today promoted from Academy Coach to assistant attack and skills coach.
In his role as head coach, Everitt will also lead on the club’s attack, with assistance from Chrystie who continues to progress through the Scottish coaching system, where he enjoyed success at both Melrose RFC and FOSROC Super Series side, Southern Knights, before taking the Edinburgh academy role in 2021.
The club’s newly formed coaching structure will also see Steve Diamond continue as Lead Rugby Consultant during the pre-season programme, to allow for a period of support and transition as Everitt takes the reins in the Scottish capital.
On joining Edinburgh Rugby, Everitt, said: “I’m honoured and delighted to be afforded a coaching opportunity at Edinburgh Rugby.
“Edinburgh has a proud history and I’m privileged to be part of their successful journey toward becoming a top club in Europe.
“I’d like to thank Mark Dodson [Scottish Rugby CEO], Jim Mallinder [Scottish Rugby Performance Director], and Douglas Struth [Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director] for the confidence they have in my ability as a coach.
“My family and I are excited and are looking forward to our future in Edinburgh.”
Scottish Rugby CEO, Mark Dodson, said: “We are very pleased to be bringing a coach of Sean’s experience and approach to Edinburgh for the coming season. The way his teams play compliments Edinburgh’s own attacking philosophy, which coupled with his knowledge of the BKT URC and depth of coaching experience were key factors for us.
“It is also great to see Rob Chrystie’s progression to a role with Edinburgh and we are excited for what he can bring to the team at this level. We may also take the opportunity to make additions to further strengthen the coaching group as the season progresses.”
Edinburgh Managing Director, Douglas Struth, added: “We’re delighted to appoint Sean as the club’s Senior Coach.
“Sean brings significant experience and pedigree to the role, having spent 15 years developing and rising to the top of the Sharks coaching system.
“He has a reputation for being a forward-thinking, winning, and attack-minded coach who is passionate about developing talent and getting the best out of his players – which is exactly what we’re looking for, as we continue to build a coaching structure for a successful future here at Edinburgh.
“Sean has worked with and developed some of the biggest stars in South African rugby, which says a lot about his capability as a man-manager and leader, while his knowledge and understanding of the game from being a Head Coach in both Super Rugby and the URC will bring a huge amount of value and insight to our coaching group.”
Reflecting on the promotion of Rob Chrystie to the senior coaching set-up, Struth added: “We’re also delighted to see Rob step up to the role of Skills and Assistant Attack Coach.
“It’s a richly deserved promotion and showcases the pathway for young Scottish coaches to progress into the professional game. Rob has done a brilliant job with our academy since joining last year, and I’m sure he will continue to develop and grow as coach with us.
“I’d encourage all our supporters to really get behind Sean and the rest of the coaching group as they lead the team into the 2023/24 season.”