Strength at back as Hamilton signs for Edinburgh

EDINBURGH have further strengthened their back-row options with the signing of Scotland international Luke Hamilton.

The flanker has signed a one-year deal with the club to be reunited with Richard Cockerill, who he previously worked with at Leicester.

Hamilton has forced his way into the Scotland squad in the last year, making his debut against New Zealand in the autumn internationals before being included in Gregor Townsend’s squad for the NatWest 6 Nations.

He suffered a shoulder injury in the recent defeat to the United States that will require treatment and delay meeting up with the squad, but he follows John Barclay through the door at Edinburgh as Cockerill looks to build on an encouraging first season in Scotland.

Having left Leicester after making 51 appearances for the club i n two seasons, Hamilton said: “I’m really excited to join Edinburgh this season – they are definitely a team on the rise.

“It’s a brilliant opportunity to continue my development as a player.”

Cockerill added: “We’re delighted that Luke has chosen to join Edinburgh and be part of the culture we’re building at this club.

“I obviously know Luke well from his time at Leicester. He’s a big, physical ball carrier who will add experience to what is an already talented back-row contingent, containing some exciting young players.

“He can play across the back-row and his dynamism adds another dimension to our attack. We’re looking forward to seeing how he develops in an international quality unit alongside the likes of Luke Crosbie, Bill Mata, Hamish Watson, Jamie Ritchie and Magnus Bradbury.”