EDINBURGH HAVE TODAY appointed former Connacht chief Michael Bradley as the club’s head coach.

The former Ireland scrum half has penned a two-year deal.

The club confirmed that the 48-year-old will take control after their final Magners League match away to Benetton Treviso this Friday

Bradley – who spent seven years in Galway – said he was “thrilled” to have been given a “massive opportunity”.

“I’m honoured and delighted to have been offered the chance to become the head coach at Edinburgh Rugby,” he said.

“I’m excited by the challenge of helping the club fulfil its potential, and I can’t wait to start working with what is a talented squad. I know a lot of the players from my years in the Magners League with Connacht, and I’m well aware of their capabilities.

“I’m looking forward to spending the summer getting to know the club and the job, so that we’re in a position to hit the ground running when the new campaign rolls round.”

Edinburgh chief executive Craig Docherty today welcomed him to the club, saying: “Securing Michael’s services as head coach is great news and a real boost ahead of the new campaign.

“His experience of building successful teams and bringing through young talent will stand us in very good stead as we seek to continue to build the club. He is a proven leader, with pedigree in both the international and European arenas.”