URC
Sean Everitt to spearhead Edinburgh Rugby coaching team
The former Cell C Sharks Head Coach will lead the club’s coaching group for the new campaign, joining from Vodacom Bulls – where he has held a consulting position since February – with immediate effect.
An outstanding attack and backline coach, Everitt brings a wealth of experience to Edinburgh Rugby, having been part of the Sharks organisation for 15 years (2007-2022).
Handed his coaching start at age-grade level and then developing through the Sharks coaching system, Everitt is a renowned man-manager, and his teams are celebrated for playing an attractive, exciting, and winning style of rugby.
Everitt rose to the Head Coach position at the Sharks for three seasons, leading them in Super Rugby, the BKT URC, EPCR Champions Cup and Currie Cup (Finals in 2020/21 and 2021/22), while managing some of the biggest names in South African rugby – including Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and South African internationalists Lukhanyo Am and Pat Lambie.
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.
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.
On joining Edinburgh Rugby, Everitt, said: “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 BKT 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 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 BKT URC will bring a huge amount of value and insight to our coaching group.”
Reflecting on the promotion of Rob Chrystie to the senior coaching set-up, Struth added: “We’re also delighted to see Rob step up to the role of Skills and Assistant Attack Coach.
“It’s a richly deserved promotion and showcases the pathway for young Scottish coaches to progress into the professional game. Rob has done a brilliant job with our academy since joining last year, and I’m sure he will continue to develop and grow as coach with us.
“I’d encourage all our supporters to really get behind Sean and the rest of the coaching group as they lead the team into the 2023/24 season.”
Content & Images from – Edinburgh Rugby
The Munster squad are preparing at the HPC ahead of Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup opener against Bayonne at Thomond Park (5.30pm).
Buy match tickets here.
Jean Kleyn will be unavailable until the New Year due to an eye injury suffered in the Leinster match. He attended for a specialist review last Tuesday and Wednesday and will have further follow-up before Christmas.
Jack Daly (ankle) and Liam Coombes (shoulder) both underwent surgery last week and will begin rehabilitation under the medical department.
There is good news for Patrick Campbell (ankle) as he has returned to team training.
Jack O’Donoghue (ankle) will also return to training this week.
Simon Zebo (knee) will continue to rehabilitate early this week.
The availability of Campbell, O’Donoghue and Zebo will be determined later in the week.
Peter O’Mahony (shoulder) is improving but will remain unavailable for the Bayonne clash.
Continuing to rehab: Jack Daly (ankle), Peter O’Mahony (shoulder), Liam Coombes (shoulder), RG Snyman (chest/shoulder), Joey Carbery (wrist), Roman Salanoa (knee), Mike Haley (hip), Cian Hurley (ankle/achilles), Niall Scannell (groin).
There were 11 Munster players in AIL action for their clubs at the weekend.
In Division 1A, Fionn Gibbons, Chris Moore and Keynan Knox helped Young Munster to a win over City of Armagh with Gibbons among the tries.
Ethan Coughlan and Daniel Okeke were in action for Shannon as they were beaten away to Terenure College.
In Division 1B, Jack Oliver, George Hadden and Colm Hogan helped Garryowen beat Blackrock College with Hogan scoring a try on his debut for the club. Oliver also kicked three conversions and two penalties.
Jack O’Sullivan and Ben O’Connor featured for UCC as they were narrowly beaten by Old Wesley.
In Evan O’Connell helped UL Bohemians to a draw against MU Barnhall.
Images & Content from Munster Rugby
Munster Rugby can confirm that Peter O’Mahony has made the decision to step down as squad captain after over 10 years leading the province.
O’Mahony first captained Munster in a competitive game on September 3, 2011 at the age of 21. It was just his 12th appearance for the province and he led the side for the opening five games of that season.
He took over the Munster captaincy on a permanent basis ahead of the 2013/14 season following the departure of Doug Howlett.
The 2022/23 season was O’Mahony’s 10th year as squad captain and ended with glory in Cape Town as he lifted the URC title with Keith Earls after a thrilling win over the Stormers.
Along with captaining Munster, he has also led Ireland and the British & Irish Lions.
Head Coach Graham Rowntree and the coaching team will select a new squad captain in due course.
Peter O’Mahony said: “Captaining Munster has been a dream come true for me.
“I grew up watching and idolising the Munster team and in particular the people who were leading the team.
“People like Mick Galwey, Jim Williams then on to the likes of ROG and Paul, who I had the privilege of playing with at the start of my career.
“I can remember the day I was asked to be captain like it was yesterday and discussing it with Paul to get his approval.
“From that day to this it’s been an utter privilege and has never been something I’ve taken for granted.
“However, having given a huge amount of thought to it, I think it is the right time to step back from the role to share my experiences and give the same guidance that I received when I took on the role.
“What an unbelievable honour it has been…and will always continue to be.”
Paying tribute to O’Mahony’s over 10 years as captain, Rowntree said: “You couldn’t pick a better leader than Pete and he has been a fantastic captain for this club.
“To lead Munster from such a young age and for so many years speaks volumes of his ability as a player on the pitch and a person off it.
“He commands huge respect and will still be a massive leader within the group. To have someone of Pete’s experience on hand to help us with the succession process is invaluable.
“We have a strong leadership group within the squad and will confirm a new squad captain in due course.”
Images & Content from Munster Rugby
The Munster squad are preparing at the HPC ahead of Saturday’s URC round 6 clash against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium (6.30pm, live on TG4).
Our next home game is against Glasgow Warriors at Musgrave Park on Friday, December 1 (7.35pm). Buy match tickets here.
Following Saturday’s win over Stormers, Peter O’Mahony (shoulder) and Jack O’Donoghue (ankle) will both go for scans on their respective injuries.
Diarmuid Barron has progressed through the return to play protocols and will be available for selection.
Continuing to rehab: Liam Coombes (shoulder), RG Snyman (chest/shoulder), Joey Carbery (wrist), Patrick Campbell (ankle), Roman Salanoa (knee), Mike Haley (hip), Cian Hurley (ankle/achilles), Niall Scannell (groin).
On the AIL front, there were nine Munster players in action for their clubs at the weekend.
In Division 1A, Keynan Knox and Fionn Gibbons helped Young Munster to a win over Terenure College at Tom Clifford Park.
Ethan Coughlan and Daniel Okeke were in action for Shannon as they were beaten by Lansdowne in Dublin.
In Division 1B, Jack Oliver and George Hadden lined out for Garryowen as they were beaten by St Mary’s College with Oliver kicking a conversion and a penalty.
Jack O’Sullivan was a try-scorer for UCC with Ben O’Connor also starting as they beat Queen’s University at the Mardyke.
In Division 1B, Evan O’Connell helped UL Bohemian to a 16-12 victory over Ballymena at Annacotty.
Tickets
URC Round 7: Friday, December 1
Munster v Glasgow Warriors, Musgrave Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
Champions Cup Round 1: Saturday, December 9
Munster Rugby v Bayonne, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 8: Tuesday, December 26
Munster v Leinster, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
Champions Cup Round 4: Saturday, January 20
Munster Rugby v Northampton Saints, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here
Saturday, February 3
Munster Rugby v Crusaders, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 5pm; Buy final tickets here
URC Round 11: Friday, March 1
Munster v Zebre Parma, Musgrave Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 13: Saturday, March 30
Munster v Cardiff Rugby, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 16: Saturday, May 11
Munster v Connacht, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 18: Saturday, June 1
Munster v Ulster, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
Images & Content from Munster Rugby
Squad Update | Munster Prepare For Bayonne At Thomond
Peter O’Mahony Steps Down After Over 10 Years As Munster Captain
