Edinburgh Rugby - History - Under Andy Robinson: 2007 To 2009

Under Andy Robinson: 2007 To 2009

Following the return to SRU control the club coach Lynn Howells was dismissed. SRU head of player development was appointed interim coach and Nic Cartwright appointed Chief Executive. Former British and Irish Lions captain Gavin Hastings was subsequently appointed Chairman stating his "desire and passion to see this game and this club grow". The proposed signing of Stephen Larkham fell through after the SRU were unable to honour the terms of the agreement. This was viewed as a disappointment at the time as the signing was considered a coup for the beleaguered SRU when the signing was initially announced.

Following an application process it was announced on 1 October 2007 that Andy Robinson, the former England head coach, would become the club's new head coach. Edinburgh showed progress under Robinson, performing well at home in the Heineken Cup posting wins against Leinster and Leicester Tigers and a narrow loss to Toulouse, earning a bonus point. Following disappointing performances by Scotland in the 6 Nations, and Robinson co-coaching Scotland A, there were rumours of Robinson taking a post within the Scotland set-up after helping Edinburgh to climb to 3rd in the Celtic League. This progress, however, was counter-pointed by some disappointing results including being shutout by Cardiff Blues at Murrayfield and losing the 1872 Challenge Cup on aggregate to rivals Glasgow Warriors.

On 26 December 2008 the a new home record attendance of 12,534 was set against Glasgow Warriors. In the 2008/2009 season Edinburgh reached their highest position finishing in second place behind Munster.

Andy Robinson left in 2009 to take up the position of head coach of the Scottish national side. Rob Moffat took over at Edinburgh. Michael Bradley is the new manager for 2011/12.