Scotland coach Andy Robinson raided old club Edinburgh to appoint Massimo Cuttitta as scrum coach of the national side.

Former Italian prop Cuttitta won 69 appearances for the Azzurri in a ten-year international career and has worked at both Edinburgh and Glasgow as a coach.

The Scottish tight five includes the likes of Lions tourists Ross Ford and Euan Murray and Robinson is confident Cuttitta can enhance an already impressive scrummaging reputation.

He said: “I’ve been pleased with Massimo's contribution at the pro-teams and I think it’s good to extend that to the national team.

“The set-pieces are a key area for us and Massimo will challenge the players to improve.”

Steve Scott remains in his role as specialist throwing coach and Cuttitta can’t wait to get started at Murrayfield HQ.

He said: “I know a number of the players from both Edinburgh and Glasgow and I am aware of the quality of the likes of Euan Murray and Alasdair Dickinson. I will be looking at ways in which we can enhance our scrummaging.”