Mathie Joins As Attack And Backs Coach

Edinburgh Rugby is pleased to confirm the appointment of Scott Mathie as the club’s new Attack and Backs Coach on a two-year deal.

Mathie, 41, joins from Major League Rugby (MLR) side New England Free Jacks, where he guided the team to back-to-back MLR titles in 2023 and 2024 as Head Coach.

Born in Durban with Scottish ancestry, the 2022 MLR Head Coach of the Year boasts an impressive coaching resume, with stints as Director of Rugby at his alma-mater, Durban High School, and Head Coach of Currie Cup side Griquas, where he helped lead the side to a number of eye-catching Currie Cup wins over Super Rugby opponents.

Mathie joins the club’s senior coaching team alongside Sean Everitt (Head Coach), Stevie Lawrie (Forwards Coach), Michael Todd (Defence Coach) and Rob Chrystie, whose responsibilities change to Skills and Off the Ball Coach.

Chrystie will remain an important part of the club’s senior coaching team, however his focus will shift to skills and preparation, as well as driving URC work rate and intensity, and the measurement of those attributes at a senior level. Chrystie will also take on the role of Edinburgh ‘A’ Head Coach.

Edinburgh Rugby Attack and Backs Coach, Scott Mathie, said: “I’m beyond excited to get started in Edinburgh. It’s a great opportunity to get involved at such a prestigious club in a city that is very close to my heart. I’m looking forward to linking up with Sean [Everitt] and his staff and really getting stuck into the work.

“I’m big on connection. On and off the field,” He continued. “The better we understand each other off the field and the harder we work to get connected to the ball on the field, is really what it’s all about for me.

“Edinburgh is a city where I spent a lot of time during my playing days. I have friends here, my dad’s side of the family are all Geordies, while my grandfather on my dad’s side was originally from Falkirk. So, there’s a lot of support for my family here. It’s going to be great sharing those experiences with them and showing them just how special a country Scotland is.”

Mathie’s rugby journey began in his hometown of Durban, South Africa, where he excelled as a scrum-half – earning a place in the South Africa U19 squad – before he continued his studies and rugby career at the University of Pretoria.

Mathie’s professional playing career saw him represent South African sides Blue Bulls and Sharks, as well as English clubs Leeds Carnegie and Sale Sharks.

After a successful playing career, Mathie retired in 2013 and transitioned into coaching.

He began his coaching journey at his alma mater, Durban High School, where he combined his passion for rugby with education. His coaching talent was quickly recognised, and he moved on to roles with Durban Collegians Rugby Club and The Sharks’ age-grade programmes, meeting Sean Everitt for the first time.

Mathie’s big break came in 2019 when he joined the coaching staff of the Griquas, eventually becoming Head Coach and earning the nickname ‘The Giant Killer’ for his team’s impressive performances in the Currie Cup.

In 2021, he was appointed head coach of the New England Free Jacks in Major League Rugby (MLR).

His impact was immediate, as he led the team to back-to-back MLR championships in 2023 and 2024, with the most recent title coming earlier this month as the Free Jacks defeated the Seattle Seawolves 20-11 in San Diego.

Under Mathie’s guidance, the Free Jacks developed a reputation for attacking and entertaining rugby, while also achieving success on the field.

Mathie’s ability to develop young talent and create a winning culture has been instrumental in the team’s success.

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach, Everitt, said: “We’ve made the decision to strengthen our senior coaching team, and as such we’re excited to appoint Scott Mathie as our new Attack and Backs Coach.

“He is a specialist coach who has already achieved significant success early in his career, winning two MLR titles in the last two seasons with the Free Jacks. Scott will bring a fresh perspective and energy to the group, and I’m excited for him to get started on Monday.”

Everitt continued: “Rob Chrystie’s new role is hugely important. Ball-in-play time and how we measure intensity are becoming increasingly crucial in the modern game, driven by both the URC and World Rugby. Rob will be leading our efforts in these areas, driving performance and implementing robust measurement systems.

“His appointment as Head Coach of the ‘A’ team is also a significant development, adding further value to our expanded academy and increased ‘A’ team fixture list.”

Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director Douglas Struth added: “Our attacking play has been identified as an area for improvement for the season ahead and Scott’s coaching expertise in this area will be invaluable to us.

“His appointment will also allow Rob Chrystie to focus on skills development, work rate and intensity, and the new Edinburgh ‘A’ team, who will have a larger schedule of fixtures this upcoming season.

“We are confident Scott’s experience and leadership qualities will be a great cultural fit for the club, and we are delighted to welcome him and his family – who already have strong ties to Scotland – to Edinburgh Rugby.”