Sean Everitt, the new senior coach at Edinburgh, is no stranger to rugby upheavals. His journey to the Scottish capital is a testament to his adaptability and resilience, and he brings with him a wealth of experience and a vision for the future of the club.
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In a surprising turn of events, Everitt found himself fielding a call from the Scottish Rugby leadership one July afternoon at his home near Durban. The following day, he underwent a formal interview for the position of Edinburgh head coach. To his astonishment, a contract offer swiftly arrived in his inbox that evening, and within just one more day, he had signed the deal and was on a plane bound for Edinburgh.
This whirlwind transition was a stark departure from Everitt’s long-standing association with elite rugby in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal. His journey through South African rugby had spanned over two decades, during which he had occupied various roles within the Sharks organization. From his early days as a promising center who also trained to become a teacher, to his swift transition into coaching youth rugby immediately after retiring from playing, Everitt had climbed the coaching ladder, assuming positions that ranged from coach educator to leading the Under-21s team and ultimately taking the helm of the Sharks’ flagship, the Springbok-laden A-list squad.
However, this journey came to an abrupt halt in March. Two years earlier, the Sharks had been acquired by an American consortium with deep pockets, setting in motion a period of considerable investment and a flurry of high-profile signings, including South African superstars Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth. The franchise boasted an impressive lineup, featuring six world champions.
Despite this star-studded squad, Everitt faced increasing pressure as the Sharks’ performance fluctuated. The ground seemed to shift beneath his feet. However, the decisive moment arrived when the Sharks, missing their top internationals, suffered a resounding 35-0 defeat at home against Cardiff. It was at this juncture that the axe descended upon Everitt.
Reflecting on this challenging period, Everitt shared his thoughts: “Even though you might expect it, it does hurt. The first thing is, you doubt your ability and you doubt whether you’re good enough. You’ve got to look at the positives and the journey and ask, how did I get here at this level with the same franchise if I wasn’t good enough? I certainly think I was good enough.”
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He continued, “I wasn’t unsuccessful at the Sharks. You’ve got to look at the positives and then you’ve got to move on quickly and get back to what you love. I love coaching and working with people.”
Everitt’s resilience and determination to continue in the world of rugby coaching led him to consult with the Bulls during the final months of the season, where he played a role in their Currie Cup campaign. The Bulls extended a two-year contract offer, hoping to retain him. However, when the opportunity to take the reins at Edinburgh emerged, Everitt was ready to embark on a new adventure.
His vision for Edinburgh is clear and forward-thinking. He aims to build a brand and an environment where Scottish talent thrives. Everitt expressed his commitment to nurturing local talent and preparing players for international duty. He emphasized the importance of players who are deeply connected to the community and play for reasons beyond financial incentives.
“I’d like to see players coming through within Scotland. I’d like to see players coming through the club system here into the senior team. I’d like to see Edinburgh developing their own players rather than bringing players in,” Everitt said.
While Everitt acknowledges that Edinburgh boasts a talented squad with notable strengths, he believes that the team’s defensive performance requires improvement. He pointed out that the manner in which turnovers are conceded and the inability to capitalize on goalkicking opportunities have been key issues affecting the team’s results.
As Everitt takes the helm at Edinburgh, he aims to strike a balance between attacking rugby, pragmatism, and player development. The forthcoming United Rugby Championship (URC) season offers him the opportunity to implement his vision and drive the club toward success.
In the world of professional rugby, where change is constant and adaptability is paramount, Sean Everitt’s journey to Edinburgh serves as an inspiring example of resilience, determination, and a commitment to building for the future. The upcoming URC season will provide a platform for Everitt to make his mark and guide Edinburgh to new heights.
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