The 52-year-old has been assistant coach for the last three seasons and takes over the reins from Andy Robinson, who quit for the Scotland job.

Edinburgh finished second in the Magners League under Robinson last season and Moffat is hugely excited about the challenge ahead.

He said: “I’m really pleased to have been given the opportunity to take Edinburgh forward.

“The squad has made a lot of progress over the past two seasons with back-to-back record finishes in the Magners League.

“But the main aim for next season will be to improve upon those achievements and take the development on to the next level.

“The squad is bursting with quality and potential and I’m really excited about what we can achieve together.”

Moffat has more than 10 years coaching experience in the professional game and guided Scotland A to the 2008 Churchill Cup final.

He also enjoyed coaching success at Melrose during the early 1990s and was previously assistant coach at the Borders and Glasgow.

Edinburgh chief executive Nic Cartwright backed the new head coach to achieve success and says Moffat was the stand-out candidate.

He said: “We were very impressed with the overall calibre of applicants for the head coach role and Rob was the strongest candidate and our number one choice.

“His knowledge, experience and enthusiasm will prove to be a major asset as part of a new-look coaching set-up.

“Continuity is an important factor behind the growth of any team and Rob’s appointment will undoubtedly prove to be a seamless transition.

“Rob’s role in the success story at Edinburgh so far cannot be underestimated and our back division has become a potent force.”