The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Edinburgh complete squad with signing of Scottish-qualified locks
PRO14: Davidson and Sykes complete Cockerill’s new-look squad
Edinburgh have confirmed the signings of young Scottish qualified locks Andrew Davidson and Marshall Sykes to complete their squad for the restart of rugby and the 2021-22 season.
Davidson’s “defection” from the Glasgow Warriors was expected, and the 20-year-old Sykes – Scottish qualified due to a grandmother from Dundee – was also attached to the Warriors while a Stage 3 Academy Player playing mostly for the Super6 club Ayrshire Bulls.
“We’re really excited to secure the signatures of both Andrew and Marshall – they’re two players that add further strength and depth to our squad,” said Edinburgh head coach Richard Cockerill.
“Andrew gained plenty of experience down at Newcastle Falcons, while he’s been impressive in limited game time since his return to Glasgow.
“Marshall is still pretty raw, but he’s extremely hardworking and we believe that he has the potential to develop into a really talented lock or back-row.
“We look forward to working with both players moving forward.”
Davidson had spells on loan at London Scottish out of the Scottish Rugby Academy and spent two years at Kingston Park playing 28 games for them before he was at first loaned and then permanently moved back to Glasgow.
The 23-year-old’s move from his hometown club will raise a few more concerned eyebrows with Warriors fans, given the team are short of second rows with Tim Swinson’s retirement – although he has subsequently un-retired to join Saracens – Jonny Gray’s departure and Leone Nakarawa likely to move elsewhere after his short spell back at Scotstoun.
“The opportunity to join Edinburgh came up and I thought it would be a great place for me to further develop and improve as a player,” said Davidson.
“Edinburgh have shown over the past few seasons that they are one ofthe best clubs in the league – and I’m looking forward to getting started with my new team-mates.”
Sykes hails from Woodbridge in Suffolk and has played both second row and back row. He was capped at Under-18 level for England before switching to Scotland and making his Under-20 debut at just 18 during the 2018 Junior Six Nations.
He was a stand-out performer for the Ayrshire Bulls in Super6 and while aligned with Glasgow during his Academy spell, has opted to join Edinburgh.
“I’m very grateful for all the support and assistance that I have received during the past two years in the FOSROC Scottish Rugby Academy,” he said.
“It’s helped my development massively and helped open up this great opportunity to join a top club like Edinburgh.
“Edinburgh is clearly a club that prides itself on being physical which is definitely an area that I believe I can excel in.
“For me, it’s now about getting myself in the best physical condition to hit the ground running for the upcoming season.
“I hope to make a good impression from the get go and make my mark with my new team-mates.”