Club captain Simon Cross and Andrew Easson have revealed that preparing for the new campaign with Edinburgh is not the only pre-season programme on their minds at the moment; after the pair became coaches with local amateur team, Murrayfield Wanderers.
Previously a coach with Penicuik, Cross, 27, decided to follow in the footsteps of Scotland new boy Matt Mustchin by taking charge of first team affairs at Wanderers in the summer.
And one of his first decisions was to appoint Edinburgh centre Easson, 21, as the club’s backs coach – in tandem with their roles as professional players with the Black and Red Army.
Now seven weeks into the club’s gruelling pre-season schedule, Cross admits he is optimistic that the club situated next to the home of Scottish Rugby can achieve success next term.
Cross said: “It is a fantastic opportunity to join a club with a lot of history, fantastic facilities and a great group of players and we are looking to a successful season.
“I think it is very important for professional players to get out and work in the community. There a lot of professional players who want to coach when they finish playing, so Andrew and I have got a great opportunity with Murrayfield Wanderers.
“It will eat into our week – a couple of nights a week and then on Saturdays – but I don’t really see it like that. It is enhancing what we are already doing and it is giving us the chance to progress our coaching careers.”
Easson echoed that same level of enthusiasm and says he is really excited about helping Wanderers make an impact in their division.
Easson said: “It is a challenge; I had thought about getting into coaching and I’ve started a course. Crossy asked me if I wanted to coach the backs and I thought it would be a great chance for me to start my coaching career early.
“I’m really excited about being involved. We have done seven weeks of pre-season now, the boys are in good shape and we’ve got a bright future ahead of us.”
Coaching is in Easson’s blood – his Dad Bob was Edinburgh’s first ever coach in the professional era – and he admits he draws on his extensive knowledge.
He added: “I’ve had a lot of help from my Dad because he has been involved in coaching for a long time. His main tip was just to make sure I was prepared and ready going into sessions. It doesn’t matter if you are working with 40 players or just five; you just do the same level of preparation work.”
Cross welcomed the input of Easson and believes his team-mate has got a bright future in coaching.
Cross said: “I asked Andrew to coach because he comes from a very good pedigree. I spent five years coaching at Penicuik, I learnt my trade there before coming to Murrayfield Wanderers.
“Andrew is now at the same age I was when I started coaching and this is a great chance for him to pursue his coaching. He has got a very good brain on him and he is a great acquisition.”
Former Wasps youth team captain Cross has invited Edinburgh supporters to come along and sample a Wanderers’ training session as the club continues to grow.
He said: “Everyone is welcome to come along and see what we’re trying to do at the club. We are a very disciplined side and there will be strong leadership from the top. We have got some great senior players and with any luck they will continue doing a good job.
“Matt Mustchin’s involvement with the club was excellent last year and hopefully we can continue that and get a few wins.
“We are hoping to be able to provide some cutting edge coaching at Murrayfield Wanderers this year.
“Andy Robinson is a fantastic coach, who I’ve learned off and I’ve certainly had some other great coaches in my time. You take lots of little bits from coaches and hopefully that contributes to some interesting sessions for the players.”
One participant during Wanderers’ pre-season preparation work has been Edinburgh’s big summer signing Jim Hamilton and the former Leicester Tiger endorsed the Cross-Easson regime.
Hamilton said: “I went down last week and I was really impressed by the boys’ fitness levels and also how many were there at this point in June.
“It was enjoyable, but also hard work and I’m sure Murrayfield Wanderers are in safe hands with Simon and Andrew.”
Murrayfield Wanderers train twice a week at Merchiston Castle School (Tuesday, 6.45pm start) and also Corstorphine Hill (Thursday, 6.45pm), so if you are interested then turn up become a part of the club.
