Edinburgh part company with Rob Moffat

EDINBURGH Rugby coach Rob Moffat has stood down with immediate effect, the Scottish Rugby Union said today.

The former Melrose coach, who took over from Andy Robinson in the summer of 2009, will be replaced by assistant Nick Scrivener until the end of the season.

The SRU will advertise for a long-term replacement.

SRU Chief executive Gordon McKie said: "Clearly, we were all disappointed at the end of last season, when Edinburgh were unsuccessful in their bid to reach the Magners League play-offs, and results this season have not been as we would have hoped for.

"Rob is equally disappointed with these outcomes as he has always given the club his total and absolute commitment, and acted with great dignity and professionalism.

"Rob is rightly held in great affection by Edinburgh and Scottish rugby fans and it is with a degree of regret that we make today's announcement.

"However, as we are now in the middle of the season, we need to look ahead."

Scrivener said: "I am very much looking forward to the challenge of taking the team forward and I will be doing everything I can to bring success to Edinburgh Rugby in the second half of the season."

More on this story in Tuesday's Scotsman