Iain Paxton was yesterday removed from his role within Edinburgh's coaching team as the club reacted to an exodus of leading players.
Iain Paxton was yesterday removed from his role within Edinburgh's coaching team as the club reacted to an imminent exodus of leading players.
The former Scotland No.8's name has been prominent in speculation about apparent dressing-room discontent that has contributed to leading players being linked with moves.
Since The Herald revealed last week that two of Scotland's most promising young forwards, Al Strokosch and Ally Dickinson, were quitting Edinburgh to join Gloucester for what were described as "rugby reasons", there has been a flood of transfer news and speculation.
News that Simon Taylor is poised to join Stade Francais drew an angry response from Alex Carruthers, Edinburgh's chairman, at the weekend, while Scott Murray has also been linked with a move to France.
Paxton is under contract and remains on the Edinburgh payroll but in "a redefined role concentrating on player identification, match analysis and community development".
Lynn Howells, their head coach, said he would be taking charge of the forwards with assistance from Massimo Cuttitta, whom he recruited as a scrummaging expert.
Whether in anticipation of Murray departing or merely looking to bolster the squad, Edinburgh announced yesterday that Ben Gissing, the former Auckland and Leinster second row forward, is joining them on a two-year deal.
The rugged New Zealand-born forward, who can also play back-row, is Irish-qualified and was capped by them at A level during a four-year stint with Leinster.
He seems to be bringing the sort of enthusiasm for the task that will be needed to revitalise the squad at what looks certain to be a difficult time.
"Everything about Edinburgh is great. The club is on the way up and has great facilities. They are near the top of the league at the moment and are very ambitious," he said.
His recruitment is, however, only a start and chairman Carruthers seemed to acknowledge as much when saying: "We are continuing to finalise our squad for next season and we shall announce further signings in due course."
Strengthening Edinburgh is one thing and helping the national side quite another.
Frank Hadden, Scotland's coach, was still waiting last night to discover whether English Premiership clubs would again disrupt his plans by withdrawing players from national squad training, as happened a fortnight ago.
He should draw encouragement from the comments of Mark McCall, Ulster's coach, who promised yesterday to treat new recruits Rob Dewey and Simon Danielli, who is joining them from the Border Reivers, the same way as his Irish international players.
"I think that is the only fair way to do it," he said, after expressing his excitement at signing Dewey in particular.
"If we were trying to improve our Magners League team we wouldn't be signing players who are going to be away at the World Cup and we hope Rob and Simon Danielli are away at the World Cup."
Hadden will be without Chris Paterson who has an ankle injury, as well as Euan Murray (thigh), Dave Callam (calf) and Kelly Brown (shoulder) for today's session. Dougie Hall (thigh), Dewey (back) and Gavin Kerr (knee), are also being treated.
