Blair to join Kobelco Kobe Steelers 

• 23 Jun 2023
• News

Former Head Coach Mike Blair will join the coaching team at Japan Rugby League One side Kobelco Kobe Steelers for the upcoming 2023/24 season.

Blair links up with former Wallabies Head Coach Dave Rennie – whom he worked under at Glasgow Warriors from 2016-2019 – with Rennie confirmed as the Steelers’ new Head of Athletic Performance last month.

Blair makes the exciting move East to take up the role as Kobelco Kobe Steelers’ Attack Coach, having stepped down as Edinburgh Rugby’s Head Coach at the end of last season.

The club centurion enjoyed a successful return to the Scottish capital after taking the reins of his hometown team ahead of the 2021/22 season.

In his first full season as Head Coach, Blair helped guide the capital side to the BKT URC play-offs, claiming both the Scottish x Italian Shield and 1872 Cup as Edinburgh Rugby returned to the Heineken Champions Cup for 2022/23.

In his second season at the helm, Blair helped lead Edinburgh Rugby to the Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16, with the capital outfit securing famous European victories at home to Saracens and away to Castres Olympique.

Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director Douglas Struth has thanked Blair for his contribution to the club, while wishing him all the best for his new role in Japan.

Struth said: “This opportunity enables Mike to continue his development as a coach in a new and different environment, focusing on attack, an area of the game that he is hugely passionate about.

“All at the club wish Mike and his family the very best for this move. We can’t thank him enough for his part in driving Edinburgh Rugby forward. He remains a club centurion and legend who will always be welcome back on match night.”