South African-born coach joins Edinburgh after back-to-back Major League Rugby titles
Scott Mathie in action for Sale Sharks in 2012.
Edinburgh have announced the appointment of Scott Mathie as their attack and backs coach ahead of the new campaign, who joins after a successful stint in the USA.
Mathie led the New England Free Jacks to back-to-back Major League Rugby (MLR) silverware, the latest coming courtesy of a 20-11 victory over the Seattle Seawolves.
The 41-year-old hasn’t had too much time to bask in the USA team’s glory however as he’s now inked a two-year deal with the United Rugby Championship (URC) side.
Durban-born
Mathie was born in Durban and coached Currie Cup outfit Griquas before enjoying success in the MLR with the Free Jacks. But he is now ready for a fresh challenge.
“I’m beyond excited to get started in Edinburgh,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to get involved at such a prestigious club in a city that is very close to my heart. I’m looking forward to linking up with Sean [Everitt] and his staff and really getting stuck into the work.
“I’m big on connection. On and off the field. The better we understand each other off the field and the harder we work to get connected to the ball on the field, is really what it’s all about for me.”
He added: “Edinburgh is a city where I spent a lot of time during my playing days. I have friends here, my dad’s side of the family are all Geordies, while my grandfather on my dad’s side was originally from Falkirk. So, there’s a lot of support for my family here. It’s going to be great sharing those experiences with them and showing them just how special a country Scotland is.”
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The former scrum-half played at the Blue Bulls, Sharks, Leeds Carnegie, Sale Sharks and Eastern Province Kings before taking up coaching after retiring in 2013.
Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt said he has been impressed with Mathie’s success so early in his coaching career and is looking forward to working with him.
“We’ve made the decision to strengthen our senior coaching team, and as such we’re excited to appoint Scott Mathie as our new attack and backs coach,” he said.
“He is a specialist coach who has already achieved significant success early in his career, winning two MLR titles in the last two seasons with the Free Jacks. Scott will bring a fresh perspective and energy to the group, and I’m excited for him to get started on Monday.”
Edinburgh managing director Douglas Struth added: “Our attacking play has been identified as an area for improvement for the season ahead and Scott’s coaching expertise in this area will be invaluable to us.
“His appointment will also allow Rob Chrystie to focus on skills development, work rate and intensity, and the new Edinburgh ‘A’ team, who will have a larger schedule of fixtures this upcoming season.
“We are confident Scott’s experience and leadership qualities will be a great cultural fit for the club, and we are delighted to welcome him and his family – who already have strong ties to Scotland – to Edinburgh Rugby.”