A physiotherapist and sports scientist who has worked closely with Alan Solomons believes Edinburgh Rugby have pulled off a masterstroke by appointing the South African as head coach.
Phil Mack, originally from Aberdeen but now residing in the Borders, worked with the 63-year-old at Western Province, South Africa, the Southern Kings and the Barbarians. "This really is a fantastic appointment for Edinburgh and for Scottish rugby in general," said Mack. "I first came into contact with Alan when he took a Western Province sevens team to Adelaide in Australia and he brought me on board. He struck me then as a great coach and whenever I got the chance to work with him again it was hard to say no. Alan simply eats, sleeps and breathes rugby 24 hours a day.
"He will bring a great focus to Edinburgh and what they are trying to do, while the sessions for the players will be organised and well-planned. These really are exciting times."
As well as bringing a stability and structure to Edinburgh Rugby as they prepare to embark on the RaboDirect PRO12 and Heineken Cup campaign for 2013/14, Mack also feels that Solomons will help develop up-and-coming Scottish coaches.
Some in the game may see Solomons' appointment as blocking the path of another Scot, but Mack reasoned: "I too want to see Scots given chances when the opportunity arises, but to get Alan on board was simply something Scottish Rugby could not pass up.
"Once he has got himself settled in the capital I would expect him to take a keen eye on the club game and local coaches and their progression and that could be really good for rugby in this country in the long run."
As for the chances of Mack himself being called upon to help out by his long-term friend at Murrayfield, he would not rule it out if the call came. He does, however, have commitments at his clinic and with RBS National League side Peebles. "I hope to meet up with Alan and share experiences once he gets here," he said.
"But my focus is with Peebles at the moment. I hope I can provide some of my experience to help Peebles play rugby at the highest level. They are a really great bunch of guys, I'm looking forward to working with them."
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