B RYA N EASSON

In three words

Studious. Blunt. Enterprising.

Playing CV

A ten known for kicking expertise, he began his pro playing career for Caledonia Reds in 1996 and won the Inter-District Championship in his first season. Easson left Caley to ply his trade for Exeter Chiefs in 1998. He spent just under two years with the Devon side in then Allied Dunbar Premiership Two.

Coaching background

He’s gone from developing kids in the Highlands, Islands and Borders to driving the attack of Edinburgh, Scotland U20 and Women. During Covid he took interim charge of the national side as coach Philip Doyle shielded. After leading the team to a stunning 13-all draw with France, he got the gig full-time.

What he’s known for

A hallmark of Easson’s time as an assistant or in academies was a focus on core skills. He’s also said to have a fondness for stars who ‘have a go’. Yet this is his first real job as big boss and a first World Cup for Scotland in so long. A lot will feel new.

Who’s on his team

Ex-Western Province, Glasgow and Newcastle back-row Tyrone Holmes joined the group in 2020 to oversee defence. Their coach intern is Claire Cruickshank, who represented Scotland at RWC 2006 – she heads women’s rugby at the University of Edinburgh. In recent times, Gordon Henderson has also helped with the forwards.

Biggest achievement

The draw with France meant he started with a bang, but it has to be qualifying for this World Cup by thumping Colombia. After that game, he said: “It’s been such a long journey and we put so much effort into this game. Now we’re there, it’s about what we do next.”