Henry Pyrgos joins Edinburgh Rugby’s Academy coaching staff

The former Scotland internationalist joins Academy Manager Kris Burney and Scotland U20 Head Coach Fergus Pringle.

Pyrgos made his professional debut at Glasgow Warriors in 2010 and was part of the 2014/15 side that won the Pro12 before departing for Edinburgh in 2018. He won 29 caps for Scotland across seven years.

Since retiring from playing in 2023, Pyrgos has coached at Boroughmuir and most recently at the University of Edinburgh as head coach.

Head of Performance Pathways Al Kellock said: “Henry has huge experience both as a player, but as a coach as well. He was a stand-out candidate and we’re delighted to have him with us.

“As well as the coaching, technical and tactical coaching that Henry will do, he will be a mentor for our young players and someone to learn from. He’s been there and done it, and been through the journey. He will add enormous value to their off-field behaviours as well as their on-field standards. Henry will drive excellence into the programme at Edinburgh.

“Kris Burney will continue to lead the programme alongside Scotland U20 coach Fergus Pringle. It is a strong trio that will bring the best out of our young players at Edinburgh.”

Henry Pyrgos said: “It’s been brilliant to be back involved. I’m here to help support academy players coming through, work really hard with them individually and give them every opportunity to progress and become an elite professional.

“I aim to provide experience across all different areas of the game, on-field, off-field, technical, tactical work, and mentorship as well. I’ve been on that journey myself as a player, so I’m there to support them, talk things through and help them understand how to be a professional and how to put themselves in the best position to move forward.

“Having recently finished playing, it’s just a great opportunity for me to come in and coach. I’ve got a lot of areas to keep working on in my coaching, but I’m loving it so far. It’s great to build relationships with the guys and see them develop.

“The academies are the future of the game, so it’s amazing to see the investment that’s been put in there to support these players, identify young players and help them reach their potential.”