Edinburgh Rugby have added to their backroom staff with the appointment of Scott Mathie as the club's new attack and backs coach.
Mathie, 41, joins from Major League Rugby (MLR) side New England Free Jacks on a two-year deal.
Mathie will move to Edinburgh having guided the Free Jacks to back-to-back MLR title wins as head coach.
Born in Durban with Scottish ancestry, the 2022 MLR Head Coach of the Year boasts an impressive coaching resume, with stints as Director of Rugby at Durban High School, and Head Coach of Currie Cup side Griquas.
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Mathie said: "I'm beyond excited to get started in Edinburgh. It's a great opportunity to get involved at such a prestigious club in a city that is very close to my heart.
"I'm looking forward to linking up with Sean [Everitt] and his staff and really getting stuck into the work.
“I'm big on connection on and off the field. The better we understand each other off the field and the harder we work to get connected to the ball on the field, is really what it’s all about for me.
“Edinburgh is a city where I spent a lot of time during my playing days.
"I have friends here, my dad's side of the family are all Geordies, while my grandfather on my dad’s side was originally from Falkirk. So, there’s a lot of support for my family here.
"It’s going to be great sharing those experiences with them and showing them just how special a country Scotland is.”
Meanwhile Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt was pleased to have secured the services of his fellow countryman.
Everitt added: “We’ve made the decision to strengthen our senior coaching team, and as such we’re excited to appoint Scott Mathie as our new attack and backs coach.
“He is a specialist coach who has already achieved significant success early in his career, winning two MLR titles in the last two seasons with the Free Jacks.
"Scott will bring a fresh perspective and energy to the group, and I’m excited for him to get started on Monday.”
Mathie's appointment means a new role for Rob Chrystie, whose responsibilities change to 'skills and off the ball coach', the club said, while he will also assume the Edinburgh 'A' team head coach role.
Everitt continued: “Rob Chrystie’s new role is hugely important.
"Ball-in-play time and how we measure intensity are becoming increasingly crucial in the modern game, driven by both the URC and World Rugby. Rob will be leading our efforts in these areas, driving performance and implementing robust measurement systems.
“His appointment as head coach of the ‘A’ team is also a significant development, adding further value to our expanded academy and increased ‘A’ team fixture list.”
A lack of bonus points last season put Edinburgh in a scrap for the play-offs, which they ultimately missed out on.
The club's managing director, Douglas Struth, hopes Mathie's introduction can help the club develop their attacking game.
He added: “Our attacking play has been identified as an area for improvement for the season ahead and Scott’s coaching expertise in this area will be invaluable to us.
“His appointment will also allow Rob Chrystie to focus on skills development, work rate and intensity, and the new Edinburgh ‘A’ team, who will have a larger schedule of fixtures this upcoming season.
“We are confident Scott’s experience and leadership qualities will be a great cultural fit for the club, and we are delighted to welcome him and his family – who already have strong ties to Scotland – to Edinburgh Rugby.”
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