Another Kings coach crosses over
Omar Mouneimne has become the latest member of the Southern Kings squad to walk away from the relegated Super Rugby franchise.
Mouneimne, the Kings' defence coach, has joined Alan Solomons on the Edinburgh coaching panel.
The Scottish outfit on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Mouneimne as assistant coach, taking charge of the club's defence, kicking game and breakdown.
Mouneimne, who will check into Murrayfield in a fortnight (Tuesday, August 20), has been in the Scottish capital before.
"The sport has taken me to Edinburgh a number of times throughout my career and I've always left with a sense of awe for the history, the character, and the values of strength and courage, which I consider very important," Mouneimne said.
"There is a tremendous amount of potential in Edinburgh.
"It's the type of club I believe can go far. It will truly be an honour to be part of it."
Mouneimne began his work as a professional defence coach in 2006, as a collision and breakdown specialist for the South African Sevens team.
He went on to coach South Africa Under-20, before joining Western Province and the Stormers sides in 2008, building their reputation as one of most feared defensive units in the Currie Cup and Super Rugby.
In 2010 he was appointed as defence coach for the Italian national team, contributing to the Azzurri's growing status as a formidable and fearsome national side, before joining Solomons in South Africa at the Kings franchise.
Solomons said: "Omar [Mouneimne] is a world-class coach.
"He's absolutely superb in his specialised field of defence and the breakdown, and is certainly the best I have ever worked with.
"He's been my right-hand man and done a fantastic job during what was an extremely challenging Super Rugby season, just as he did in last season's unbeaten Currie Cup run.
"He is a really good bloke and a great team man. There is a terrific synergy between us and I'm really looking forward to continuing our partnership alongside forwards coach Stevie Scott at Edinburgh Rugby."
Edinburgh Managing Director, David Davies, added: "The appointment of Omar Mouneimne brings together what we believe is a well-balanced, passionate and experienced coaching team.
"Omar has a history of building defences that are combative and tough to beat, something which we want to become a key feature of this club in the years to come."
