Alan Solomons quits from Edinburgh coaching role

Edinburgh head coach Alan Solomons has announced his decision to step down from his position following the club's dismal performance in the ongoing Pro12 season.

After losing three out of their four games, Edinburgh are placed ninth in the Pro12 table with only Benetton Treviso, Zebre and Connacht behind them. Former Scotand attack coach Duncan Hodge has been named as the interim coach of Edinburgh after closely working with the club following the 2015 World Cup.

Solomons joined the club in 2013 and during his stint, Edinburgh never managed to end higher than eighth. However, he also coached them to the final of the European Challenge Cup 2015 where they lost to Gloucester.

The 66-year-old confirmed his decision to step down in a statement released by the Scottish Rugby Union.

"I have decided to step down. I understand Scottish Rugby have appointed Duncan Hodge as the new acting head coach and I wish him well.

"I have greatly enjoyed working with the players and coaches and feel I have helped to put the club on a much stronger footing over the past three years and am leaving it in a better place than when I arrived."

Thanking Solomons for his contribution SRU chief executive Mark Dodson highlighted Edinburgh's performance in 2015 European Challenge Cup as one of his main achievement.

"Alan came in as head coach at a difficult time in Edinburgh Rugby's history and helped to stabilise and strengthen the club.

"He achieved some notable successes including leading the first Scottish team to a European final of the Challenge Cup in 2015 and back-to-back 1872 Scottish Cup victories over Glasgow Warriors.

"Duncan brings his recent coaching experience from the Scotland national team as well as his long playing career with Edinburgh into the role and he will receive our full support to keep moving the club forward.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Alan for his significant contribution to the Edinburgh club and I wish him well for the future."