Kobelco Kobe Steelers add Mike Blair to backroom staff

Edinburgh have confirmed that former head coach Mike Blair will be joining the backroom staff of Japan Rugby League One side Kobelco Kobe Steelers.

He will now link up with former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie in the Japanese club having worked with him previously in the Glasgow Warriors between 2016 and 2019. He also had worked with Ponteland and Scotland as assistant coaches.

The 42-year-old took over as Edinburgh head coach in 2021 and on his first season he helped the Scottish regional side to the play-offs of the United Rugby Championship and in the previous season the club went on to reach the round of 16.

“This opportunity enables Mike to continue his development as a coach in a new and different environment, focusing on attack, an area of the game that he is hugely passionate about," said Struth to the club's official website.

“All at the club wish Mike and his family the very best for this move. We can’t thank him enough for his part in driving Edinburgh Rugby forward. He remains a club centurion and legend who will always be welcome back on match night.”