FORMER British Lion Craig Chalmers is emerging as the latest contender for the coaching vacancy at Edinburgh as the deadline for applications looms on Monday.
It is understood that friends and well-wishers have been urging Chalmers to go for the job created by Andy Robinson's elevation to Scotland rugby coach and bring with him insight at the highest levels of playing – he starred at stand off in Scotland'
s 1990 Grand Slam on the way to a total of 60 caps.
For the past few years, Chalmers, whose professional playing CV comprised Borders, Edinburgh, Harlequins and Worcester, has been immersing himself in coaching at Melrose as well as gaining valuable experience with Scotland clubs and under-20s.
Others to have indicated an interest are ex-Scotland forwards coach George Graham, who recently parted company with Italian side Petrarca for family reasons, and current Edinburgh backs coach, Rob Moffat.
With Moffat offering continuity the hunt might well centre on a forwards guru, although Chalmers' claims are bound to be regarded as impressive especially as he is renowned for a strong winning mentality while there is a link with the influential Robinson, his team-mate on the successful 1989 Lions tour of Australia.
Altogether, Edinburgh chief executive Nic Cartwright says around 50 inquiries have been made for a post advertised as requiring: "A clear ability to motivate, drive and further improve performance.
"Building upon the success of the last two seasons. The successful coach will develop relevant training and playing strategies for the team. The identification and development of high-performing players is of critical importance to Edinburgh Rugby and Scotland.
"You will need to be able to demonstrate a successful track record of performance coaching at a professional level within rugby and have a UKCC level three accreditation and/or appropriate coaching experience.
"The role requires strong motivational and leadership skills as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You will understand the requirements of running a professional rugby team and be flexible to change.
"The Edinburgh Rugby head coach will manage a team of coaches and other support staff."
Cartwright refuses to divulge the names of those attracted but insists the calibre is high.
"There has been interest from the southern hemisphere as well as from around Europe including southern France. There is also at least one coach interested who has international pedigree," says Cartwright, who claims the newcomer will have predecessor Robinson to turn to, if necessary.
"I expect Andy to be available to offer advice if asked while striking the correct balance so as to leave his successor free to make his mark. It would be unfair for all concerned to have Andy on any interview panel but, by the same token, the successful applicant will surely be known to him.
"While disappointed to lose Andy, in some respects Edinburgh are in a better situation than when he joined two years ago.
"Andy remains very much on the Scottish rugby scene and there is a chance for an ambitious coach to emerge at a club where the idea of really challenging for top honours by, say, 2012 given the raft of young players nearing their peak is realistic," says Cartwright.
Meanwhile, Cartwright is close to finalising a pre-season friendly with leading English opposition before what promises to be the longest-ever Edinburgh season kicks off.
In addition to play-offs for the top four in the Celtic League to determine ultimate champions, an innovation will see the chance for five of the six pool runners- up in the Heineken European Cup to play knock out rugby after Christmas.
The custom is for the two best runners-up to join pool winners in the quarter-finals of the premier event. As from 2009-10, the next three best-placed teams will enter the second tier Challenge Cup as an away quarter-finalist.
Welcoming that step Cartwright says: "While we hope to be in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals any qualification can boost Edinburgh's overall ranking points.
"Steady accumulation of points based on the group finish can eventual lead to a higher seeding and clubs at the top table seem to find that success in that sphere breeds further success."
Soon after the coach application deadlines, Edinburgh will expect to learn their domestic fixture list and Cartwright says it is not anticipated going seven weeks without a home game, as happened this year – causing valuable momentum to be lost both on the pitch and at the turnstiles.
"We have formally requested a home game during the Six Nations Championship which would help provide continuity for fans," said Cartwright.
The full article contains 776 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
