Robinson is a strong contender to be the next Scotland head coach

Former Scotland star Gavin Hastings is worried Edinburgh will suffer if head coach Andy Robinson leaves to take the helm with the national side.

"He's the undoubted front-runner for Scotland and he's done a wonderful job at Edinburgh," said Hastings, who is the club chairman.

"I just feel Edinburgh are on the cusp of going one way or the other.

"And I'd hate to think the potential departure of Andy Robinson would see Edinburgh on the slide once again."

Former England coach Robinson has been with Edinburgh since October 2007 and the club are in fourth place going into the final round of Magners League fixtures.

"Edinburgh have had a great couple of seasons and shown themselves to be a force to be reckoned with at Murrayfield," added Hastings, who won 61 caps for Scotland.

"I think we have a real opportunity to emulate what Leinster have done.

"Not that long ago they were playing in front of crowds similar to those watching Edinburgh at the moment and now they are in the Heineken Cup final.

"I genuinely believe that is the potential Edinburgh have and I'd be very sad if that potential was not realised.

"There are massive implications for Scottish rugby should Andy Robinson be the next Scotland coach and I'm sure that the people chosen to make the appointment realise what they are.

"We want Edinburgh and Glasgow to be successful first and foremost and Scotland would benefit from that success.

"What you don't want to do is to try and make Scotland successful at the expense of Edinburgh and Glasgow."

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