Rugby:Michael Bradley has left his position as Edinburgh head coach with immediate effect, with Scotland assistant coaches Stevie Scott and Duncan Hodge placed in interim charge of the club.

The former Connacht coach had been due to leave when his contract expired in May but the Scottish Rugby Union today announced that he and assistant Neil Back had agreed a deal to terminate their deals now.

Bradley departs Edinburgh following seven consecutive defeats in the RaboDirect Pro12, which leave them in 10th place in the table, three off the bottom.

Bradley led Edinburgh to the Heineken Cup semi-finals last season but they suffered six defeats this term, scoring just 36 points in the process.

The former Ireland scrumhalf was informed last month that his two year deal would not be renewed.

Scott and Hodge will assume their roles after the Six Nations campaign ends, with Edinburgh not in action again until hosting Ulster on March 22nd.

SRU chief executive Mark Dodson said in a statement: “We feel this move is necessary to give a fresh impetus to the squad going into the remainder of the season.

“Our search for a new coaching team for Edinburgh Rugby continues, with a view to getting the club back on a winning track.”