Capital coaching trio extend terms

The coaching trio’s extensions align with Head Coach Sean Everitt, whose new two-year deal was announced earlier this month.

Former hooker and current Forwards Coach Lawrie joined the club’s coaching team ahead of the 2019/20 season, having enjoyed two spells at his hometown team as a player (2005-09 and 2011-14).

Defence Coach Todd – who joined from Queensland Reds – was recruited to the team’s coaching staff ahead of the 2022/23 season, while Chrystie stepped up to role of Assistant Skills and Attack Coach ahead of the current campaign, having previously led the club’s pro academy.

Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director Douglas Struth welcomed the trio’s extensions, which he believes will allow further on-field progression, with strong foundations now in place.

He said: “Following on from Sean’s [Everitt] extension, we’re delighted to announce new deals for assistant coaches Stevie Lawrie, Michael Todd and Rob Chrystie, with our senior coaching team now in place until at least 2026.

“This brings further continuity to our off-field team with strong foundations now in place. They are all good people and excellent coaches, who take a great deal of pride in representing the club.

“With ongoing player recruitment and retention in a really positive place, and with the team sitting fifth in the BKT United Rugby Championship and into the last 16 of Europe, Edinburgh Rugby is an exciting to be right now – we can’t wait to see what Sean, Stevie, Michael and Rob can achieve together as coaching group in the years to come.”

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Everitt added: “I’m absolutely delighted to see our assistant coaches join me in extending terms with Edinburgh Rugby for another two years.

“The support I’ve received from all three guys since joining the club has been brilliant. They’ve made me feel welcome from the second I walked in the door.

“They are all excellent coaches who continue to grow and develop in their own areas. Their drive to succeed and attention to detail is second to none, while they all care passionately about the success of this club moving forward.

“I’m really excited about our future together as a coaching group and what we can achieve with this squad.”

Lawrie joined the club as Assistant Forwards Coach ahead of the 2019/20 season, making the move from Watsonians where he had been Head Coach since 2018.

Lawrie – who made 44 appearances for Edinburgh Rugby and earned a Scotland cap against Samoa in 2013 – spent five years coaching at Heriot’s, where he played a key role in the Goldenacre club winning a league championship in 2015 and a league and cup double in 2016.

Lawrie stepped up to the role of Forwards Coach in 2022, having held the position on an interim basis following the departure of Richard Cockerill.

On extending terms, Lawrie said: “I’m delighted to re-sign with Edinburgh Rugby. I care passionately about the club and its future success.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to build on the strong foundations laid in the first half of the season as we move into the business end of the year. Having continuity in the coaching group will be excellent in helping the club grow further.”

Former Queensland Reds Defence Coach Todd was appointed as the club’s new Defence Coach ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Todd had been in charge of Queensland Reds’ defence since 2020, during which time they finished as runners-up in 2020 and winners in 2021 of the Super Rugby AU competition.

Todd then made the move to Scotland following a stint with Australia A at the Pacific Nations Cup.

On agreeing to a new deal, he said: “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to stay with the club for another two years.

“Sean has a clear direction, and I’m excited to be a part of it with him, the players and the broader coaching group.

“Edinburgh Rugby has such rich history and an awesome fan base with lots of heart, so it’s great to continue to be a part of it.”

Former Melrose RFC and Southern Knights coach Chrystie was appointed Edinburgh Rugby’s Academy Coach in 2021 after building an impressive resume of success in the Scottish domestic scene.

A former scrum-half for Hawick, Melrose, Bath, Coventry, Border Reivers and Scotland A, Chrystie stepped up to the role of Assistant Skills and Attack Coach in July last year.

Having spent two years leading the club’s academy, Chrystie played an integral role in bringing through up and coming players such as Cammy Scott and Harry Paterson, who have now stepped up to full-time pro deals in the Scottish capital.

On extending terms, Chrystie said: “It was a really easy decision to re-sign with Edinburgh Rugby. Having joined two years ago as an academy coach, I have learned so much and thoroughly enjoyed the environment that is building here.

“With Sean, Stevie and Michael staying, alongside the exciting squad that is already here, I’m really looking forward to the next two years to see how far we can push and progress this team together.”