The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Bennett’ s deal is a top Mark for Edinburgh
Edinburgh have received a double boost after Mark Bennett signed a new contract and Darcy Graham declared himself fully fit for Saturday’s derby against Glasgow.
Scotland centre Bennett has scored eight tries in 15 appearances this season and the 29-year-old played twice during the Guinness Six Nations.
Head coach Mike Blair said: “I’ve absolutely loved working with Mark this season. He’s really come into his own as a leader and we’ve been really impressed with the way he’s carried himself around our younger players too.
“We all know Mark is a threat with ball in hand and that’s been more evident than ever this season.
“His work rate around the park is exceptional and he’s playing with a smile on his face, too, which is really important.”
Bennett is in fine form ahead of the final regular United Rugby Championship match of the season, having scored four tries in his last four matches.
And Edinburgh will have more firepower with Graham set to return after a quad injury.
The winners will take their place in the Heineken Champions Cup next season as well as avoiding a trip to Leinster in the URC quarter-finals.
Scotland winger Graham said: “I am raring to go and ready to get stuck back in. I am feeling good. We have hopefully got four massive games still to come and I want to get back for that.
“I thrive on big games and absolutely love playing in them.
“It was very frustrating to miss some big games but it’s part of the job, injuries come along with the highs and lows for rugby.
“The aim was always to get back for this game. The rehab went really well and the Wasps game was just a week too early to come back.
“I trained fully that week, though, and it was extra time for me to get fully recovered.”
“He’s really come into his own as a leader...