SCOTTISH RUGBY chiefs insist they won't rush in to finding a new managing director for Edinburgh after David Davies' departure late on Saturday night.

There had been whispers for some time about behind-the-scenes disharmony at the Murrayfield side, which finally came to a head with Davies announcing that he is to step down at the end of the month.

After issuing a statement about the exit, the Scottish Rugby Union - who own the club - made it clear they did not intend to comment further, but it is clear that media coverage about behind-the-scene problems on the administrative side of the club had been the key factor in making his position untenable.

They started last month with a report about an email the players had sent Mark Dodson, the union's chief executive, and every member of the Scottish Rugby Council, the men and women who represent the union's member clubs, complaining about Davies' decision to get rid of Lynsey Dingwall, the long-serving, popular and admired team manager.

Explosively, it contained the allegation that Davies had refused to meet the players over the issue and added "we feel he doesn't have Edinburgh's best interests at heart and the players don't trust him."

The reports continued into the weekend when the union announced that Davies would be stepping down at the end of the month, after the team have completed their programme for the season even if they go to the final play-off match in the hunt for European Champions Cup rugby next season.

"I am proud to have led Edinburgh, however recent media speculation about my role has been unhelpful as I firmly believe the public interest should be in the team and not the off-field staff," the statement quoted Davies as saying. "Sports clubs should be in the news for the excellence of their play, not for off-field matters. Therefore I have decided to leave at the end of May and will support the club as it makes preparations for its new managing director."

Davies had been at the club for a little more than two years, and certainly played a role in helping stabilise it after its troubles of previous years.

It is not thought his departure will have any effect on talks with Alan Solomons, the head coach, over his future at the club after his contract runs out at the end of the season.