Scotland rugby captain agrees deal to join Edinburgh

Scotland captain John Barclay will move to Edinburgh Rugby from next season in a move set to be announced next week, writes Steve Scott.

The 64-times capped 31-yearold, who has skippered the Scots in their last six internationals, is out of contract with his Welsh club Scarlets at the end of this season. He has spent the last five years in Llanelli having previously played for the Glasgow Warriors for eight seasons after joining them as a teenager.

The rumour that he was being courted by Edinburgh has been circulating in Scottish rugby for some weeks, with Barclay himself refusing to comment other than to say at Tuesday’s captain’s press conference “that rumour won’t go away”.

However, it’s understood terms have been agreed on a three-year deal which will allow him to link up with Scotland team-mates Hamish Watson, Magnus Bradbury and Cornell du Preez.

It also gives Edinburgh head coach Richard Cockerill an experienced option with the future of one of his other internationals, John Hardie, in doubt due to an investigation into alleged cocaine use.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh have confirmed that Scotland hooker Stuart McInally, who scored two tries in the 44-38 victory over Samoa on Saturday, has signed a two-year contract extension with the club.

The 27-year-old has made 110 appearances for the capital club, starting in the back row and then switching to hooker in 2013.

This season he has become the favoured No 2 for new coach Cockerill, culminating in a concerted run in the team and Saturday’s man-of-the-match performance.

McInally said, “I’m extremely pleased to be staying in Edinburgh.

“It’s an exciting time to be part of the team and I feel we have strong foundations in place to move the club forward over the next few years.”

Cockerill said that McInally had been Scotland’s form hooker this season.

“I’m delighted that he sees his future in Edinburgh,” said the coach.

“We’re building a strong culture and environment here and Stuart is very much central to those plans.”

John Barclay: leaving Scarlets to join Edinburgh Rugby.

Stuart McInally: extended his stay by two years.