Fijian Drua Attack Coach Sampson makes capital switch

Sampson is the second appointment of Edinburgh Rugby’s new-look coaching ticket for the 2026/27 season, joining fellow incoming Defence Coach Brad Davis at Hive Stadium, as well retained Forwards Coach Stevie Lawrie.

The highly-rated Australian brings with him a wealth of senior coaching experience across Super Rugby Pacific, spanning nearly two decades.

A former fly-half and centre of some repute, Sampson built his coaching reputation with Easts and Canberra Vikings and winning Queensland Premier titles, before making the step up to Super Rugby in 2018 when he was appointed Head Coach of Western Force.

Over five seasons in Perth, Sampson was instrumental in rebuilding the club following its exclusion from Super Rugby, guiding the Force through their historic return to the competition and to their first ever Super Rugby play-off appearance in 2021.

In 2022, Sampson joined the Melbourne Rebels as Senior Attack and Skills Coach, where he guided the club to their first ever Super Rugby play-off appearance in 2024.

Following the closure of the Rebels, he was immediately recruited by Fijian Drua as their Senior Attack Coach, where he has established one of the most creative and potent attacking systems in Super Rugby Pacific.

On his appointment, Sampson said: “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity given by Sean and the club to be joining them for the next two years.

“Edinburgh is an ambitious club in a beautiful city supported by fans who love their rugby, and I look forward to being a part of the club and community when I arrive in July.”

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach, Sean Everitt, said: “Tim is an outstanding coach and a fantastic addition to our staff.

“His record speaks for itself. He has been a Head Coach at Super Rugby level, he has worked across multiple competitions, and right now he is running one of the most exciting attacking systems in Super Rugby Pacific with the Drua.

“What really excites me is the combination of Tim and Brad Davis coming in together. Between them, they bring enormous experience and a senior presence that will add a huge amount of quality to our environment. I believe this coaching group will drive us to the next level, and I can’t wait to work with them both next season.”

Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director, Douglas Struth, said: “We are delighted that Sean has secured the services of Tim for Edinburgh Rugby.

“Tim is a values-driven coach with an exceptional track record of developing attacking rugby and building strong, high-performing environments. We’re looking forward to seeing the impact he will make alongside Sean, Brad [Davis, newly appointed Defence Coach] and Stevie.

“To bring in two coaches of the calibre of Tim and Brad in the same window is a clear demonstration of the environment that Sean is looking to create.”