MacRae to leave Edinburgh due to 'family circumstances'

Edinburgh defence coach Calum MacRae will leave the club later this month due "to family circumstances" and will take up the same position with Italian URC side Benetton.

MacRae originally joined Edinburgh in 2017 following three years at the head coach of Scotland 7s. He will make the move to Benetton ahead of the 2022/23 season. McCrae had previously lived in Treviso as a player during his time at Venezia Mestre in 2010.

“As a family, we needed a change and the opportunity arising at this point with Benetton felt like it was the right match for us.

“Having previously lived in Treviso, I have a strong connection to that area and I am excited to be continuing my coaching career with the Benetton family.

“I’d like to thank Mark Dodson, Douglas Struth and Edinburgh Rugby for facilitating this move at short notice. It’s a decision I haven’t taken lightly and one my family and I have given a great deal of thought to.

“On a personal note, I want to express how much I have enjoyed working with Mike [Blair], Stevie [Lawrie] and Gareth [Baber] this year and feel that I am leaving the club in a strong position having played a part in qualifying for the Champions Cup again next season.

“I have every faith that the club will continue to go from strength to strength under Mike.”

Head Coach Mike Blair praised MacRae’s impact on the club and said: “I’ve enjoyed working with Kitty this season. He’s developed into a very good coach and has certainly had a big impact on how we’ve performed this past year.

“When Kitty approached me recently to discuss the move, it was clear this was a decision he’s not taken lightly.

“I want to thank Kitty for his hard work and dedication during his time in Edinburgh. He’ll be missed by all the management, staff and players."