Mathie brings a fresh perspective to Edinburgh Rugby

• 27 Aug 2024
• Features

Edinburgh Rugby welcomed a new face to their coaching staff last week with the appointment of Scott Mathie as Attack and Backs Coach.

The former New England Free Jacks Head Coach brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the role, having won two Major League Rugby titles while being named MLR Coach of the Year twice during his time in Boston.

Mathie has wasted no time in getting himself acclimatised to the role after linking up with the capital club for the last stretch of pre-season.

After a long-haul flight from Boston, via South Africa, Mathie took the time to travel to Haddington where he helped put the East Lothian squad through its paces as part of a grassroots coaching clinic competition.

“It’s been easy to settle into a place when you’ve got good people around,” he said. “Sean [Everitt] and the staff have made me feel at home and comfortable.

“There’s obviously still a lot of things I’ve got to get my head around from a rugby point of view, but also from just a living point of view as well.

“But it’s been really as easy as it can be transitioning, which has been great.”

Mathie has slotted straight into his coaching role

Known for his high energy and ability to adapt to the needs of his team, Mathie believes his strengths lie in his ability to connect with players and create a positive environment.

The former scrum-half is renowned for the culture he forged in New England, which he hopes to replicate in the Scottish capital.

“I think my strength is being really fluid and being adaptive to what the team needs me to be,” said Mathie.

“So, I can bring that. I think naturally I am probably more introverted, but I enjoy presenting.

“I enjoy connecting people. I enjoy guys having to communicate more and facilitate that type of stuff. I try and bring as much energy and enthusiasm to anything we do.”

Mathie continued: “I’m really proud of the environment we created in Boston, to be honest. It’s awesome to win trophies and I think that comes with that.

“But I’m really proud of the top environment and the way guys’ lives changed. They rejuvenated their careers, and you could see them enjoying what they were doing. I think there’s a lot of fulfilment and enjoyment that comes from coaching when you can see that.

“When you see guys who are playing above their level, winning titles and playing above what they ever thought they could be. That’s when you get an environment right.”

Beyond rugby, Mathie has a clear passion for history and music, having graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and History, prior to becoming a coach.

With the Edinburgh festival in full swing, he recently attended a blues and whisky festival, a combination that always hits the right note for Mathie.

“What better way to spend your Friday evening than a blues and whisky event,” said the former Griquas Head Coach.

“I really enjoy the blues, and I haven’t heard a blues band in ages. To pair that with whisky, which I really enjoy, was incredible.

“My tradition is that I like to have single malt the evening before every game we play. It’s been like that a long time, and I’ll definitely be continuing that here in Edinburgh.

Mathie is looking forward to the URC opener against Leinster

Mathie’s background in English and History also influences his coaching style.

“I love to reference different wars and different events in time,” he explained. “I think the story of human history repeats itself all the time. It’s great to go back and pull out little nuggets that you actually know.

“I recently used the Battle of Isandlwana, which is the Anglo-Zulu war back home. It was a surprise. The Zulus won the first one, Isandlwana.

“They did it by preying on the English’s arrogance. They were able to lure them in and build information on their formations, which in turn they were are able to take advantage of.”

While Mathie’s interests in history have inspired his coaching career so far, it’s his future with Edinburgh Rugby that has him really excited.

Working with a new backline – which includes playmakes like Darcy Graham, Wes Goosen, and Emiliano Boffelli – Mathie is relishing the chance to bring his ideas to life as Edinburgh Rugby kick-off the new season next month.

“I’m super excited,” he said. “I’ve just been so enthused around their ability, their understanding. The way they move off the ball is really encouraging.”

“I think there’s some really exciting players. Just in general with the team, there’s a lot of potential. I know there’s a lot of experience and a lot of serious players that have done really well, but I still think there’s a lot of room for growth, which I think is super exciting.

Mathie now can’t wait to make his mark with Leinster first up at Hive Stadium on Friday 20 September (kick-off 7.35pm), not before a Scottish Building Society pre-season clash against Gloucester on the Friday before (13 September, kick-off 7.30pm).

“What an awesome first game,” he said. “I don’t think there’s any better way to start it. You want to have a crack and have a go.

“We want to go into that game fizzed up and really confident and doing our thing. I think everything we do in pre-season is building towards that.”