Solomons out, Hodge in as Edinburgh flounder

Rugby union: Head coach calls it quits after poor Pro12 start

Alan Solomons has resigned as head coach of Edinburgh after the capital club lost three of its opening four Guinness Pro12 games.

The South African will be replaced by Duncan Hodge on a caretaker basis after ending his three-year spell in charge, although the latter will be given the chance to stake his claim to land the job on a permanent basis. Solomons has not managed to secure a Pro12 finish higher than eighth, but did lead Edinburgh to the European Challenge Cup final in 2015, losing 19-13 to Gloucester.

Solomons said: “I have decided to step down.

“I understand Scottish Rugby have appointed Duncan Hodge as the new acting head coach and I wish him well.

“I have greatly enjoyed working with the players and coaches and feel I have helped to put the club on a much stronger footing over the past three years andam leaving it in a better place than when I arrived.”

SRU chief executive Mark Dodson added: “Alan came in as head coach at a difficult time in Edinburgh Rugby’s history and helped to stabilise and strengthen the club.

“He achieved some notable successes including leading the first Scottish team to a European final of the Challenge Cup in 2015 and back- to- back 1872 Scottish Cup victories against Glasgow Warriors.

“Duncan brings his recent coaching experience from the Scotland national team as well as his long playing career with Edinburgh into the role and he will receive our full support.”

Hodge, who made 150 appearances for Edinburgh, returned to the capital club in November last year as assistant coach after working with Scotland.

Stevie Scott and Peter Wilkins remain on the coaching staff.

“I have helped to put the club on a much stronger footing over past three years”