Wright reveals bid to be Edinburgh Rugby's coach
BILL LOTHIAN ([email protected])
FORMER British Lion Peter Wright today became the first candidate to publicly throw his hat into the ring for the vacant coaching position at Edinburgh Rugby

The 40-year-old Wright, currently in charge of the SRU's academy set-up in Glasgow and national under-19 mentor, confirmed that he has applied to take over from Lynn Howells, who was axed when the organisation returned from private ownership to central control.

As Edinburgh prepare to further their preparations for the new season with a friendly tomorrow against Italian outfit Viadana (5.30pm) it is appropriate the fixture goes ahead at the former Boroughmuir base of ex-prop Wright, who says: "I've applied to be Edinburgh coach, although I have not heard anything in the three weeks since the closing date.

"To me it is a no-lose situation because I am happy in my present role but coaching day-to-day has plenty of appeal and hopefully the next stage in my rugby development."

Wright admits that as the new season draws nearer he is increasingly optimistic about the prospects of an Edinburgh side he previously applied to coach in 2006. While he describes the shambolic political events which dogged the club over the summmer as a "turn-off", he added: "I'm encouraged the way things are working out.

"From a national academy point of view, the big worry about private ownership was that options would be limited for younger players, although there needs to be a balance with some big names involved.

However it pans out, Wright, "older and wiser" than when he previously applied for a full-time coaching job in the Capital, is keen to see progress from a squad including ex-pupils Alan Kelly, Bruce McNeill and Kyle Traynor.

"I watched Edinburgh play Tonga and there was some good stuff going forward to a Magners Celtic League that will be tough for a young squad," said Wright.

This article was posted on 7-Sep-2007, 12:22 by Hugh Barrow.