Former Cell C Sharks and Vodacom Bulls coach Sean Everitt has been appointed as the senior coach for Edinburgh rugby for the upcoming season.
Everitt, who has been appointed on an initial one-year deal, subject to him getting a working visa, will join the team with immediate effect and takes over from Mike Blair, who left at the end of last season.
Everitt was most recently involved as a consultant with the Bulls at Currie Cup level, after being fired by the Sharks halfway through last season after some disappointing results.
Everitt was part of the Sharks set-up for 15 years, starting at age-grade level in 2007 and came through the Sharks coaching ranks, with his teams known for playing attacking rugby.
Everitt will link up with the squad this month, bringing added leadership to a coaching group that includes Stevie Lawrie (Forwards Coach), Michael Todd (Defence Coach) and Rob Chrystie, who was today promoted from Academy Coach to Assistant Attack and Skills Coach.
Introducing your new Senior Coach ??
— Edinburgh Rugby (@EdinburghRugby) July 20, 2023
Experienced South African coach Sean Everitt will spearhead the club's coaching group in 2023/24, joining on a one-year deal, subject to visa. pic.twitter.com/YdX2FXev6R
In his role as Senior Coach, Everitt will also lead on the club’s attack, with assistance from Chrystie who continues to progress through the Scottish coaching system, where he enjoyed success at both Melrose RFC and FOSROC Super Series side, Southern Knights, before taking the Edinburgh academy role in 2021.
The club’s newly formed coaching structure will also see Steve Diamond continue as Lead Rugby Consultant during the pre-season programme, to allow for a period of support and transition as Everitt takes the reins in the Scottish capital.
'EXPERIENCE AND PEDIGREE'
On joining Edinburgh Rugby, Everitt said in a team statement: “I’m honoured and delighted to be afforded a coaching opportunity at Edinburgh Rugby.
“Edinburgh has a proud history and I’m privileged to be part of their successful journey toward becoming a top club in Europe.
“I’d like to thank Mark Dodson [Scottish Rugby CEO], Jim Mallinder [Scottish Rugby Performance Director], and Douglas Struth [Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director] for the confidence they have in my ability as a coach.
“My family and I are excited and are looking forward to our future in Edinburgh.”
Scottish Rugby CEO, Mark Dodson, said: “We are very pleased to be bringing a coach of Sean’s experience and approach to Edinburgh for the coming season. The way his teams play compliments Edinburgh’s own attacking philosophy, which coupled with his knowledge of the URC and depth of coaching experience were key factors for us. It is also great to see Rob Chrystie’s progression to a role with Edinburgh and we are excited for what he can bring to the team at this level. We may also take the opportunity to make additions to further strengthen the coaching group as the season progresses.”Edinburgh Rugby today appoint former Cell C Sharks coach Sean Everitt as Senior Coach for the 2023/24 season, on an initial one-year deal, subject to visa.
— Edinburgh Rugby (@EdinburghRugby) July 20, 2023
Rob Chrystie steps up to Assistant Attack and Skills Coach as the club's coaching group comes together for the new season.
Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director, Douglas Struth, added: “We’re delighted to appoint Sean as the club’s Senior Coach.
“Sean brings significant experience and pedigree to the role, having spent 15 years developing and rising to the top of the Sharks coaching system.
“He has a reputation for being a forward-thinking, winning, and attack-minded coach who is passionate about developing talent and getting the best out of his players – which is exactly what we’re looking for, as we continue to build a coaching structure for a successful future here at Edinburgh Rugby.
“Sean has worked with and developed some of the biggest stars in South African rugby, which says a lot about his capability as a man-manager and leader, while his knowledge and understanding of the game from being a Head Coach in both Super Rugby and the URC will bring a huge amount of value and insight to our coaching group.”
Everitt will feel at home in Edinburgh, with former South Africans such as Luan de Bruyn, WP Nel, Pierre Schoeman and Duhan van der Merwe in the side.