COCKERILL AIMS TO STAY AT EDINBURGH BEYOND 2021

EDINBURGH head coach Richard Cockerill hopes to extend his contract with the capital club beyond next year. The former Leicester boss arrived on a two-year deal in 2017 and signed a two-year extension before his first season was finished. He has made a major impact, leading Edinburgh to three European quarter-finals, with this season’s campaign unfinished, and guiding them to top spot in Pro14 Conference B before the coronavirus forced a suspension of play.

In an interview about his future plans on the league’s official website, the 49-year-old said: ‘I’m just trying to get everything right for the near future. I’ve never been a coach — or a person — who thought: “Where will I be in three years?”. ‘I was an amateur and had a job before I was a professional — and I’m a big believer in working hard now and get what’s happening in front of you right and things will appear at the right time. ‘I left Leicester and then had an opportunity at Toulon. I’d never have thought I’d have been head coach of Toulon and taken them to a French final, where’s that come from? Things happen. ‘I’m happy here because we’re moving in the right direction. Is it the biggest club in Europe? Well, it’s not, but I’ve said that since the day I got here. ‘I’ve made no pretence about that whether I’m talking to my own players or trying to recruit players. ‘It’s been a great project for me. I feel like I’m only halfway through it. I’m contracted to 2021 and I’d like to see myself here for a couple years after that. That’ll be six years and then we’ll see. I’ve not craved somewhere else.’

l GLASGOW WARRIORS have announced the imminent departures of Rory Hughes and Matt Smith. Scotland wing Hughes, who made 48 appearances for Glasgow, joined Leicester on loan in January. Back-row forward Smith made 25 appearances before joining Edinburgh on loan in February.