Watsonians Super 6 coach Steve Lawrie set to go pro at Edinburgh

Watsonians may need a new Super 6 head coach before the competition starts next season with former Scotland hooker Steve Lawrie set to replace Roddy Grant as assistant forwards coach at Edinburgh.

By DUNCAN SMITH Thursday, 24th January 2019, 8:28 pm Updated Thursday, 24th January 2019, 8:30 pm

Watsonians head coach Steve Lawrie. Picture: Gary Hutchison/SNS/SRU

Lawrie was one of the six head coaches announced last month for the SRU’s new part-time professional club league, which also includes Melrose, Ayr, Stirling County, Boroughmuir and Heriot’s.

Watsonians have confirmed Lawrie is in talks to replace former Scotland Sevens star Grant, who is set for a move to a role with Ulster, where former Edinburgh managing director Jon Petrie took over as CEO at the start of the year.

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The Scotsman also understands that Scotland Sevens coach John Dalziel is the leading contender to become Glasgow forwards coach upon the departure of Jonathan Humphreys, who is leaving to be part of the post-Warren Gatland Wales management team.

Former Edinburgh flanker Grant, 31, retired due to a knee injury in 2015. He has since had a coaching role with the academy and been assistant forwards coach at the capital pro-team under Richard Cockerill.

With the Super 6 set to start in just eight months, Watsonians said in a statement: “We can confirm that Steve Lawrie has been in discussions with Edinburgh Rugby to become an assistant forwards coach. We would stress, however, that no final decision has been made at this juncture.

“Steve has made a huge impact since his appointment two years ago and we will be extremely sorry to lose him if he does move to Edinburgh.

“However, Steve is a very talented and ambitious young coach and the role provides a great opportunity for him to develop his career. Therefore, we are fully supportive of Steve progressing these discussions and, if he does leave, it will be with our wholehearted support and best wishes.

“We have worked closely with Scottish Rugby on this matter to ensure that the disruption to our Super 6 preparations are minimised.

“We believe that this would be a great move for Scottish Rugby as a Steve is a very capable coach who can help Edinburgh Rugby continue their impressive improvement under Richard Cockerill.”

An SRU statement said: “We have been in close dialogue with Watsonians throughout this process.

“Steve has been identified as someone who can make the progression into the professional game with Edinburgh and the chance to join that coaching group, led by Richard Cockerill, could provide a fantastic opportunity for him.