Edinburgh will not renew Bradley contract

Rugby: Michael Bradley's contract as coach of Edinburgh Rugby will not be renewed after this season, bringing an end to his two-year stint in the Scottish capital.

The former Connacht coach signed a two-year deal with the Murrayfield-based outfit in May 2011 and led the side to the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup last year, where they lost to Ulster at the Aviva Stadium.

Edinburgh have failed to build on their performances last season, losing all six of their games in pool one of the competition this season, including twice to Munster, and are fourth from bottom of the RaboDirect Pro12 table.

Edinburgh defence coach Billy McGinty today resigned from his post and Bradley will share the defensive duties with forwards coach Neil Back, who joined the club in July last year.

“It’s been an honour to be Edinburgh Rugby head coach and I’d like to thank my fellow coaches, management team, players, staff, fans and sponsors for their support these past two years,” said Bradley.

“Building a strong club with a clear identity, which has shared ownership from the players, management, fans, sponsors and the community at large is the key driver of all successful teams and, for me, it is critical that this work continues and enables both the club and the team to reach its full potential.

“The undoubted highlight of my two years was the joy on the faces of all connected with Edinburgh Rugby when the final whistle went when we overcame Toulouse in last year’s quarter-final of the Heineken Cup at Murrayfield.

“I am very disappointed by the run of results this season and will put everything into the remainder of the season to help the club build for a brighter future.”

Scottish Rugby chief executive, Mark Dodson, said: “Michael and Billy have played a pivotal role in a number of memorable games at Murrayfield. In particular, last year’s journey to the Heineken Cup semi-final in Dublin was a highlight.

“This season’s results, however, have been below the standards expected by the club and its fans and we believe the time is right to begin the search for a fresh coaching team.”

Edinburgh will begin the recruitment process for new coaching personnel with immediate effect.