Fiji Sevens gold getter Baber to leave Edinburgh

Gareth Baber, assistant attack coach for Edinburgh, will quit the URC side when his contract expires the following month and return to Wales.

Baber guided the Fiji Sevens team to gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but decided to return to fifteens and joined the Edinburgh in December 2021 as attack coach.

Baber will depart for Wales, where his family currently resides.

It’s the latest coaching movement at the club after it revealed in February that Mike Blair would be setting down as head coach t0 pursue his passion for attack coaching. He has ruled out staying in Edinburgh and the exit of Baber might potentially see him stay but in the capacity of an attack coach.

Last month rugby guru Steve Diamond was sent in as ‘lead rugby consultant’, to effectively assist until the end of the season. As had previously happened at Worcester, the move could well see Diamond take over the reins as head coach or as a director of rugby.

For his part, Baber said spending more time with his family was key in his decision to return to Wales.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in Edinburgh and I’ve built connections with coaches, management and players that will last a lifetime. It’s a brilliant club and I’m certain this group will bounce back next season.

“I have, however, spent the last 18 months away from my family who are living in Wales, so it felt like the right time to relocate home and bring an end to my time in Edinburgh. It’s been a truly brilliant experience and I can’t talk up the club enough.

“I’m hugely thankful to Edinburgh for giving me an opportunity back in the 15-a-side game, while working with Mike [Blair], Stevie [Lawrie] and Michael [Todd] has been massive in terms of my own coaching career – the lessons I’ve learned and the experiences we’ve gone through together.

“I’d like to thank the Edinburgh fans for making me feel welcome throughout my duration at the club. I’ll remain a fan as I continue my own journey back home in Wales.”

Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director, Douglas Struth, added: “Gareth [Baber] has been brilliant to work with, while his knowledge and expertise have been invaluable resources for our coaching team during the last 18 months. His contribution, on and off the field, has been first class – not only as a coach, but as somebody who cares about culture and people.

“Everyone at the club wishes Gareth the very best as he heads back home to Wales to be with his family. We can’t thank him enough for his hard work and dedication during his time at Edinburgh and he’ll no doubt be a success in his next role.”