Edinburgh appoint Steve Diamond as lead rugby consultant

Edinburgh have appointed Steve Diamond as their lead rugby consultant as they step up preparations for Mike Blair's departure.

The former Sale and Worcester director of rugby will start on 20 March and work alongside Blair and his team until the end of the season.

Former Scotland captain Blair recently announced he would not be renewing his contract as head coach beyond the summer as he looks to change direction and focus on being an attack coach.

Edinburgh managing director Douglas Struth said: "Steve’s appointment provides additional leadership and insight for the club as we look to finish the BKT URC season on a high, while preparing for this month’s crucial Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 tie against Leicester Tigers, with the opportunity to progress deep into European competition still very much alive.

"With over 20 years of coaching experience in professional rugby, Steve will also play a key role in setting up our pre-season preparations for the upcoming 2023/24 campaign, ready for a new head coach to arrive and hit the ground running.

Scottish Rugby Union chief executive Mark Dodson added: "This is an important time in the season and we wanted to provide additional support and expertise to the coaching group in light of Mike Blair’s decision to step down at the end of the campaign.

"Steve’s experience speaks for itself and we see his interim role as strengthening further a talented coaching and playing group which still has a lot to play for and our focus on securing an improved run of results in the coming weeks.

"Edinburgh Rugby is an attractive club and we have had significant interest in the head coach role and Steve’s appointment also gives us some space to review our options in the coming weeks."

Former Sale