Edinburgh Rugby confirms initial phase of performance staff changes

4 Feb 2026

Edinburgh Rugby today confirmed an initial phase of changes being made by Sean Everitt to the club’s coaching, medical, and strength and conditioning departments as part of a wider reassessment of its coaching and performance functions.

As part of these changes, Assistant Coaches Rob Chrystie and Michael Todd will leave the club at the end of the season.

Chrystie, who initially joined as an Academy Coach, has played an important role in the development of several of the club’s younger players. Chrystie – who headed up the Edinburgh Rugby ‘A’ team – was named Attack & Backs Coach in 2023/24 and most recently coached in the areas of skills and off-the-ball work.

Since his arrival in 2022, Todd has coached the club’s defensive systems throughout the last four campaigns.

A series of changes will also be implemented across the club’s medical and strength and conditioning departments over the coming weeks.

The club remains in discussions to retain other members of its coaching and performance staff, with a full update to be provided once this process has been completed.

Similarly, the club is now in the process of initiating an extensive global search for new Assistant Coach candidates, across a range of specialisms, to bring fresh knowledge and experience to the capital side.

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach, Sean Everitt, said: “I have taken the difficult decision to refresh our coaching and performance groups in order to take this club in a new direction, with renewed energy, expertise and fresh voices. We’re taking this step now to ensure we have the foundations in place to thrive and succeed.

“I would like to sincerely thank Rob and Michael, as well as those moving on from our medical and strength and conditioning departments. They have all served the club well and leave with our very best wishes.”

Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director, Douglas Struth, added: “We fully support Sean in these changes to the club’s coaching and performance areas. We are excited to see how he can move the club forward with a new-look coaching group around him in 2026/27.

“On behalf of everyone at the club, I want to thank those leaving for their hard work and dedication; they have been valued colleagues and move on with our gratitude.”

RELATED

Scotland Men Edinburgh stars set for Scotland A clash Wed 4 Feb 2026 Scotland Men U20 Ten selected for U20 Six Nations opener Wed 4 Feb 2026 Celtic Challenge Late rally not enough as Brython Thunder strike at Hive Stadium Mon 2 Feb 2026 URC Leinster surge in second-half to overcome gritty Edinburgh Sat 31 Jan 2026 Inclusivity & Outreach “I love it” – Kelso’s Allison Whitson to deliver match ball at Thunder clash Sat 31 Jan 2026 Schools & Grassroots Evolution Festival set to kick-off Celtic Challenge clash Fri 30 Jan 2026 Cruikshank names new-look backline for Brython test Fri 30 Jan 2026 URC Edinburgh side named for Leinster test Fri 30 Jan 2026 Scotland Men U20 Wolfenden named captain for Scotland U20 Six Nations campaign Thu 29 Jan 2026 URC Lawrie calls for brutal honesty as Edinburgh prepare for Aviva Test Wed 28 Jan 2026 Hive Stadium to host inaugural Celtic Challenge Final Wed 28 Jan 2026 Focus turns to Brython Thunder as Edinburgh Women look to bounce back Mon 26 Jan 2026 Young Edinburgh side fall to clinical Gwalia Lightning Sun 25 Jan 2026 Inclusivity & Outreach Four decades of ‘The Blues’: Heather Bonnar honoured as Community Hero Sat 24 Jan 2026 URC First-half fire not enough as Bulls power back Fri 23 Jan 2026 Brown returns for Gwalia rematch Fri 23 Jan 2026 URC What’s on Guide: Vodacom Bulls Thu 22 Jan 2026 EPCR Flashback: Bulls Battles Thu 22 Jan 2026 EPCR Date and kick-off time confirmed for Round of 16 clash Thu 22 Jan 2026 URC Bulls battle: Edinburgh bolstered by returning internationals Wed 21 Jan 2026