Cockerill commits to 2021

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Richard Cockerill has signed a contract extension which will see him stay at the Guinness PRO14 side until 2021.

The former Leicester and Toulon coach has made an immediate impression with Edinburgh Rugby since taking on the role at the start of this season.

The club is currently third in Conference B in the PRO14 having generated two five-match unbeaten runs this season and reached the knock-out stages in the Challenge Cup, losing just once in the pool stages and recording victories over Stade Francais and London Irish.

Scottish Rugby Chief Executive, Mark Dodson, said: “I have been delighted by the impact Richard has had since his arrival and so it was the right decision to retain his services through to 2021.

“We have worked hard to secure a world-class coaching group in Scotland and Richard has put down strong foundations which is both improving our players and underpinning the work being done off the pitch to take the club forward.

“I know Richard sees Edinburgh Rugby as a long-term project and while there has been a positive start we all expect the progress to continue in the coming seasons.”

Head Coach, Richard Cockerill, said: “I saw this as a fresh challenge and have really enjoyed getting stuck in at Edinburgh.

“There is still a lot to do at the club and I wanted to stay and continue working with a great group of fellow coaches and hard-working players.

“We are building a better squad and a better culture, bit by bit, with the aim of improving results and making us more competitive and consistent.

“The support I’ve received from Scottish Rugby since I arrived has been first-class and I’m excited about what the future will hold for Edinburgh Rugby if we continue to apply ourselves in the right way.”

Edinburgh Rugby is currently reviewing its options regarding a new home ground and the improved performances this season have revitalised the club.

Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director, Jonny Petrie, said: “The impact Richard has had can’t be overstated in terms of giving the players and coaches a clear view of what is required to be more competitive and generally raising standards throughout the club.

“I am pleased he will be extending his tenure with us which will support the exciting work being done off the pitch to continue the recent momentum we are generating.”

Scottish Rugby’s Director of Rugby, Scott Johnson, said: “Richard has worked hard since his arrival to set a clear level of expectations on the performance side and this clearly helped both the playing and coaching group to grow and develop.

“It is important Edinburgh Rugby make a strong contribution to the both the national side and the Guinness PRO14 and by extending Richard’s contract we are continuing to invest in this approach and him.”