Ben Healy update as Edinburgh Rugby coach jobs attract interest from 'around the world'

Sean Everitt said there was interest from “around the world” in the coaching vacancies at Edinburgh Rugby as he sought to explain the changes the club is making to its hierarchy.

Assistant coaches Michael Todd, Rob Chrystie and Scott Mathie will leave at the end of the season, along with medical staff and members of the strength and conditioning team, including Mark Robertson, the head of S&C.

The changes come amid a disappointing campaign for Edinburgh who are 13th in the 16-team United Rugby Championship. Everitt said it was part of “the evolution of the club” and that some strong candidates had signalled their interest.

Edinburgh assistant coaches Scott Mathie (L) and Michael Todd will leave the club at the end of the season. | SNS Group

Greig Laidlaw, one of Edinburgh’s finest ever players and a former Scotland captain, has been linked with a role in the new set-up but Everitt would not be drawn on individuals.

“He's one of many names,” said the head coach. “Like I say, there's been interest all around the world in these positions. We're very, very lucky in that respect that the club is of interest to so many reputable coaches. It's exciting.

“We have shortlisted coaches. We’ll probably know in a month.”

It was announced on February 4 that Todd and Chrystie would be leaving their roles as defence and skills coaches, respectively. Twelve days later, the departure of Mathie was also revealed, with the attack and backs coach set to join the Sharks in his native South Africa in the summer. It is understood Edinburgh were keen for Mathie to stay.

‘A need for change’

Explaining the overhaul, Everitt added: “We felt that there was a need for change. It's structural change as well.

“Sometimes it's good to freshen up the workplace with new voices and new ideas. The coaches that have worked here have worked extremely hard. They're good men, they're good family men. But unfortunately in sports sometimes you do need change.

“That's where we are at the club at the moment as we evolve. We want to evolve our staff as well.”

Edinburgh Rugby head coach Sean Everitt (right) with departing skills coach Rob Chrystie. | SNS Group

Ben Healy also looks to be on the way out of Edinburgh. The stand-off, who was back-up to Finn Russell for Scotland at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, has slipped down the pecking order at Edinburgh and is expected to join La Rochelle for next season.

“I'm not sure about the confirmation of that,” said Everitt. “Ben's contract was up at the end of the season. He's got every right to look for a new club and La Rochelle is certainly a good club for him to go to. Hopefully it works out well for him.”

Key players return

Meanwhile, Edinburgh will return to URC action on Friday with a home game against the Scarlets, who are 15th. Magnus Bradbury and D’arcy Rae have been released from the Scotland Six Nations squad and will be available for the capital club who will also be boosted by the return from injury of Marshall Sykes, Dylan Richardson and Mosese Tuipulotu.

“We're getting numbers back which is great for us because we were left a little bit thin,” said Everitt.

There was also encouraging news on Liam McConnell’s recovery from the rib fracture which ruled him out of the Six Nations.

“We're hoping that he'll be ready for the South African tour [March 21-28], or the Ulster game [March 13]. He's recovering really well. For him it's just about time.”

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