Richard Cockerill extends stay with Edinburgh
Richard Cockerill has vowed to continue improving the squad and culture at Edinburgh "bit by bit" after extending his contract.
The Edinburgh head coach has committed his future to the Scottish capital side until 2021 after making a major impact in his debut campaign.
Former Leicester and Toulon coach Cockerill led Edinburgh to the European Challenge Cup quarter-finals after topping their pool and they could wrap up their first appearance in the Guinness PRO14 end-of-season knockout stages this weekend - if Ulster lose against Glasgow.
The former England international was less than halfway through a two-year contract but both parties were keen to seal a more lasting agreement and have finalised a new three-year deal.
He said: "I saw this as a fresh challenge and have really enjoyed getting stuck in at Edinburgh.
"There is still a lot to do at the club and I wanted to stay and continue working with a great group of fellow coaches and hard-working players.
"We are building a better squad and a better culture, bit by bit, with the aim of improving results and making us more competitive and consistent.
"The support I've received from Scottish Rugby since I arrived has been first-class and I'm excited about what the future will hold for Edinburgh Rugby if we continue to apply ourselves in the right way."
SRU chief executive Mark Dodson added: "We have worked hard to secure a world-class coaching group in Scotland and Richard has put down strong foundations which is both improving our players and underpinning the work being done off the pitch to take the club forward.
"I know Richard sees Edinburgh Rugby as a long-term project and while there has been a positive start we all expect the progress to continue in the coming seasons."
Edinburgh managing director Jonny Petrie stressed that Cockerill had made a major contribution off the park too.
"The impact Richard has had can't be overstated in terms of giving the players and coaches a clear view of what is required to be more competitive and generally raising standards throughout the club," he said.
"I am pleased he will be extending his tenure with us which will support the exciting work being done off the pitch to continue the recent momentum we are generating."
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