Edinburgh bring in senior coach from South Africa to succeed Blair

The coaching role left vacant at Edinburgh by Mike Blair has been filled by ex-Sharks boss Sean Everitt, the South African who will work as their senior coach during the pre-season under lead rugby consultant Steve Diamond. It was February when Blair decided not to take up the option of a contract extension and it has taken the Scottish URC club five months to recruit his successor.

A statement read: “Edinburgh have appointed South African Sean Everitt as senior coach for the upcoming 2023/24 season on an initial one-year deal, subject to visa. The former Cell C Sharks head coach will lead the club’s coaching group for the new campaign, joining from Vodacom 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 BKT 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 Springboks captain Siya Kolisi and South African internationals 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 has been promoted from academy coach to assistant attack and skills coach.

“In his role as senior 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.”

Everitt said: “I’m honoured and delighted to be afforded a coaching opportunity at Edinburgh. They have 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.”

Struth added: “We are 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 are looking for as we continue to build a coaching structure for a successful future here at Edinburgh Rugby.

“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 BKT URC will bring a huge amount of value and insight to our coaching group.”