Key Points
- Assistant coach Rob Chrystie, a Borderer, to depart Edinburgh Rugby at end of season alongside Michael Todd.
- Head coach Sean Everitt leading refresh of coaching and performance staff for renewed direction.
- Stevie Lawrie and Scott Mathie retained in coaching roles amid broader changes.
- Club actively seeking replacements; further adjustments in medical and strength departments planned.
Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) February 5, 2026 – Rob Chrystie, the assistant coach from the Borders, will leave United Rugby Championship club Edinburgh at the end of the season as part of a major shake-up of the coaching staff.
Edinburgh Rugby confirmed the departures of Chrystie and fellow assistant Michael Todd, with head coach Sean Everitt taking the decision to refresh the group’s direction. The club sits 13th in the 16-team URC table after 11 rounds, prompting these performance-focused changes.
Who is departing Edinburgh’s coaching team?
Rob Chrystie, previously head coach of Edinburgh Rugby ‘A’ team, served as attack and backs coach in the 2023/24 season and latterly focused on skills and off-the-ball work, according to The Offside Line. Michael Todd, who joined in 2022, oversaw the club’s defensive systems for four campaigns, as reported by RugbyPass.
As reported by Florent Bonte of RugbyPass, Everitt described the moves as difficult but necessary: “I have taken the difficult decision to refresh our coaching and performance groups in order to take this club in a new direction, with renewed energy, expertise and fresh voices.”
What prompted this coaching overhaul at Edinburgh?
Edinburgh Rugby managing director Douglas Struth voiced full support for Everitt’s strategy, stating the club aims to build foundations for success in 2026/27. Stevie Lawrie and Scott Mathie remain in their coaching positions, providing continuity amid the transitions.
How has the club backed Everitt’s changes?
Struth added: “We fully support Sean in these changes to the club’s coaching and performance areas. We are excited to see how he can move the club forward with a new-look coaching group around him in 2026/27.” The official club announcement described this as the initial phase of wider reassessment across medical and strength and conditioning departments.
What are the next steps for Edinburgh Rugby?
The club is actively recruiting replacements for Chrystie and Todd, with further staff changes expected in coming weeks. Everitt, recently re-signed on a new two-year deal, leads the revamp to improve competitiveness in the URC and beyond.
Those departing, including Chrystie and Todd, leave with the club’s best wishes after dedicated service, as confirmed across multiple reports from SA Rugby magazine and the club’s statement.
