Duncan Hodge steps down from Edinburgh role
Edinburgh have announced that assistant coach Duncan Hodge has left his position with the Scottish capital outfit.
With newly appointed head coach Mike Blair himself a backs and attack specialist, Edinburgh have revamped their coaching staff and it has been confirmed on their official website that the club and their former fly-half parted ways on “amicable terms”.
Various roles
“I have greatly enjoyed my time coaching in various roles in Scottish Rugby over the past 14 years,” said Hodge.
“It has allowed me the opportunity to work across a wide range of age groups and playing levels, and to develop my knowledge and experience through working with 11 different head coaches throughout the period.
“I feel extremely lucky to have worked with some world-class coaches, players and teams and thank them for their support over the years.
“Coaching at three Rugby World Cups, competing in PRO14 and Heineken Cup semi- and quarter-finals, along with seeing so many Edinburgh players recently progress to Scotland honours, has certainly given me plenty of fond memories to look back on.
“I look forward to using this experience as I move on to new opportunities in the next stage of my career.
“Finally, I would like to wish Mike and the rest of the team all the very best for the upcoming season and beyond.”
Blair said: “Duncan deserves a lot of credit for his part in developing quality Edinburgh players for the club and the national team over the years. Everyone at the club thanks him and wishes him well.”
The former Edinburgh and Scotland player’s coaching connection began with Edinburgh in 2007.
Scotland head coach Frank Hadden enlisted his services as a part-time specialist coach across Edinburgh, Glasgow Warriors and the national team, a role which became full-time in 2012.
Hodge was promoted to assistant coach in Vern Cotter’s Scotland set-up for a two-year spell.
He then returned to Edinburgh as assistant coach, where he has remained in the post for the past five seasons, including a short spell as interim head coach
Edinburgh’s managing director, Douglas Struth, said: “I would like to thank Duncan for the considerable and lasting contribution he has made to the club and its players across various roles.
“As a player, Hodgey captained the club, and as a coach he has played a major role in the development of scores of Edinburgh and Scotland players over the years.
“We would like to express our sincere respect and gratitude for everything he has done for the club.”
Following Richard Cockerill out of the club
Hodge’s exit follows the departure of Richard Cockerill as Edinburgh’s head coach last month.
The former England hooker had left his role by mutual consent “to allow him to pursue other opportunities”.
The former Leicester head coach signed a two-year contract extension in August last year which committed him to the Scottish capital until 2023.
“I would like to thank everyone at Edinburgh Rugby for the hard work they have put in,” Cockerill said at the time. “It has been a rewarding four seasons for the club.
“I would also like to thank all the supporters for everything they have done for me and the team, you have been amazing.
“I wish the staff and players all the best for the future and look forward to watching you in your new stadium.”