South Africa's Solomons quits Edinburgh

The South African will be replaced by former Scotland flyhalf Duncan Hodge on a caretaker basis.

Solomons took charge of the Scottish capital club three years ago.

He never led Edinburgh to a higher Celtic League finish than eighth place, but he did guide them to the European Challenge Cup Final in 2015, losing 13-19 to Gloucester.

Solomons, in a statement issued by the Scottish Rugby Union, said: "I have decided to step down. I understand Scottish Rugby have appointed Duncan Hodge as the new acting head coach and I wish him well.

"I have greatly enjoyed working with the players and coaches and feel I have helped to put the club on a much stronger footing over the past three years and am leaving it in a better place than when I arrived."

SRU chief executive Mark Dodson added: "Alan came in as head coach at a difficult time in Edinburgh Rugby's history and helped to stabilise and strengthen the club.

"He achieved some notable successes including leading the first Scottish team to a European final of the Challenge Cup in 2015 and back-to-back 1872 Scottish Cup victories over Glasgow Warriors.

"Duncan brings his recent coaching experience from the Scotland national team as well as his long playing career with Edinburgh into the role and he will receive our full support to keep moving the club forward.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Alan for his significant contribution to the Edinburgh club and I wish him well for the future."

Agence France-Presse