Pyrgos joins as Edinburgh Rugby confirm academy coaching team

19 Dec 2025

Edinburgh Rugby is delighted to announce the club’s academy coaching team for the 2024/25 season, with former scrum-half and Scotland international Henry Pyrgos returning to the capital to join the coaching set-up.

Pyrgos joins an experienced leadership team spearheaded by Academy Manager Kris Burney and Academy Coach Fergus Pringle, who also continues in his role as Scotland U20 Head Coach.

Since retiring from professional rugby in 2023, Pyrgos has built an impressive coaching CV in the local game. After a successful spell at Boroughmuir, he most recently served as Head Coach at the University of Edinburgh, where he oversaw the development of the city’s top student talent.

Kris Burney, who joined Edinburgh Rugby in November 2023, stepped into the role of Academy Manager this September. He will lead the coaching team, providing a stable and ambitious environment for the next generation of professional players.

Former Edinburgh lock and Watsonians Head Coach Fergus Pringle completes the trio. Having been with the club since September, Pringle has already made a significant impact on the development of the club’s forward pack.

His dual role ensures a direct and seamless link between the Edinburgh academy and the national age-grade pathway.

Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director Douglas Struth said:

“We are thrilled to confirm our academy coaching set-up and to welcome Henry [Pyrgos] back to the club. As a former player, he knows exactly what it takes to succeed here, and his recent work at The University of Edinburgh and Boroughmuir proves he is one of the brightest young coaches in the country.

“Kris Burney has done a fantastic job since joining us in 2023. His promotion to Academy Manager is a testament to his leadership and his vision for how we develop young talent.

“Alongside him, Fergus Pringle has been outstanding with our forward pack. His combined role with the Scotland U20s ensures our players are receiving elite-level guidance that aligns with the national pathway.

“The primary goal for Kris, Fergus and Henry is to upskill the individuals within our system to ensure they are ‘pro-ready.’

“We are already seeing the fruits of this labour; players like Liam McConnell and Freddy Douglas have transitioned seamlessly from the academy to represent both Edinburgh and Scotland.

“With guys like Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, Lewis Wells, Tom Currie and Conor McAlpine all impressing in the current environment, the future of the club is in very safe hands.”