Michael Todd 'very excited' after being named Edinburgh's new defence coach

Michael Todd is keen to get started following his appointment as Edinburgh’s new defence coach.

The 32-year-old joins from Queensland Reds where he has been in charge of the Super Rugby side’s defence since 2020.

Todd, currently coaching with Australia ‘A’ as part of this summer’s Pacific Nations Cup competition, will link up with Edinburgh later this month as the capital side begin pre-season preparations for the upcoming 2022-23 campaign, which will see Edinburgh return to the Heineken Champions Cup and aim to build on last season’s quarter-final finish to the United Rugby Championship (URC).

Todd told edinburghrugby.org: “I’m very excited to join Edinburgh Rugby, which has such a rich and long history.

“I can’t wait to get started and contribute to the team and the club.

“I’m really grateful to Mike (Blair) for allowing me the opportunity to work with him and his team.

“I can’t wait to work alongside the coaches who are doing an incredible job.

“I’m just so keen to get started and help contribute and develop a team that is on the rise.”

Todd is also looking forward to living in Scotland.

He said: “My young family and I are so excited to come over and fully immerse ourselves in the culture and experience as much as we can in Scotland.

“I have lived in a few different places around the world but this will be the first time for my wife and daughter to live somewhere outside of Australia – we can’t wait.

“It’s always daunting stepping into a new environment and challenge but it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while now.

“A new league brings new challenges and learnings, while the Heineken Champions Cup is the pinnacle of rugby in the Northern Hemisphere – who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?”

Head coach Blair said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been able to bring someone of Michael’s expertise into the club.

“It was a lengthy process to make sure we got the right man and we believe that the knowledge he holds, his growth mindset and his desire to improve individuals within a defensive system, will fit our environment really well.”