Andy Robinson hopes to steer the side to Magners League success

Robinson was officially introduced at a Monday media conference.

And Scottish Rugby chief executive Gordon McKie said: "This is a major coup for Edinburgh and Scottish rugby.

"Andy Robinson's arrival is a clear sign of our very serious intent to build Edinburgh Rugby into a major force in professional rugby."

Interview: New Edinburgh coach Andy Robinson

The 43-year-old Englishman's appointment as head coach follows a summer of turmoil for Edinburgh.

The club was the subject of an often heated dispute between Bob Carruthers' franchise and the SRU.

I was instantly attracted to the challenge of taking Edinburgh Rugby forward to the next level Andy Robinson

And, when control of the club was returned to the national body, it led to the departure of coach Lynn Howells, while Australia fly-half Stephen Larkham's move to the club was cancelled.

But the internal problems have not deterred Robinson, who was forced to stand down as England coach in November after a poor run of results.

"My career in rugby has always thrived on challenge and I was instantly attracted to the challenge of taking Edinburgh Rugby forward to the next level," he said.

"I was fortunate enough to spend my formative years in rugby at Bath, one of the best club rugby sides in history, and I plan to apply what I learned there, and in my international career, to take Edinburgh to new heights."

MY SPORT: DEBATE Give your reaction to Andy Robinson's appointment

Edinburgh will hope that Robinson will be able to match his success at Bath, who he led to the Heineken Cup, and as deputy to Clive Woodward when England won the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Edinburgh chairman Gavin Hastings said: "In his 21 years in senior rugby, as both player and coach, Andy Robinson has delivered time and again.

"His appointment to the role of head coach at Edinburgh is a bold, imaginative move that underlines just how serious we are about taking this club forward."