Edinburgh add ex-international to their new-look coaching team

Former Australia 7s player Michael Hodge has signed a two-year deal to become Edinburgh’s new skills and contact coach.

Hodge, 37, joins a coaching group spearheaded by head coach Sean Everitt, alongside Tim Sampson (attack), Brad Davis (defence) and Stevie Lawrie (forwards).

He arrives from the IRFU, where he served as Ireland Men’s U20 Assistant Coach, having previously held the role of National Elite Player Pathway and Men’s U18 Head Coach.

“I’m incredibly proud to be joining Edinburgh Rugby. Moving over to Ireland has been a brilliant experience, both personally and professionally, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I had to continue developing as a coach. But this is a fantastic opportunity and one I couldn’t turn down,” said Hodge.

“I’m really looking forward to working under Sean and being part of this new-look coaching team here in Edinburgh. There’s real energy and ambition about the place, and it’s given me a real spark to get started.

“I hope I can bring my experience, both as a player and a coach, to help this group of players continue to develop and grow. I can’t wait for the URC season to get underway and to get stuck in with what is a great squad.”

A former centre/wing, Hodge was part of the NSW Waratahs squad during the 2013 and 2014 seasons, as well as representing his country in the shorter format of the game.

After his playing career ended, Hodge started his coaching journey in schools rugby before becoming head of high performance at Sydney University Football Club between 2018 and 2021.

In spring 2021, Hodge was appointed head coach of Major League Rugby expansion side the Dallas Jackals, initially taking up the role remotely from Australia before COVID-19-related visa processing delays ultimately prevented him from entering the US in time for the start of the season.

He then took on the role of head of rugby at St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill, in 2022, before moving to Ireland.

Edinburgh boss Everitt says Hodge’s appointment is the final piece of the coaching jigsaw.

“It’s great to complete our coaching team for 2026/27. Tim and Brad have already brought new ideas and energy into the environment, and Stevie has continued his brilliant work with our forward pack.

“Michael comes in at a really positive time for the club. He’s a young and highly-rated coach who will bring fresh ideas and expertise to our skills and contact work, and that gives us even more to look forward to as we build towards the new season.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing what he can do with this playing group at Edinburgh Rugby.”