SCOTS LOCKS HODGSON AND SYKES’ CAPITAL CONTRACTS

Edinburgh head coach Mike Blair is delighted Scotland locks Jamie Hodgson and Marshall Sykes have signed new contracts.

Hodgson, 23, and Sykes, 21, both made their international debuts in the Autumn Test against Tonga, with Hodgson going on to face Australia and world champions South Africa at BT Murrayfield.

The second-row pair have played a key role in Edinburgh’s impressive start to the 2021/22 season, with Hodgson featuring in six matches and Sykes in five.

Blair told the club’s official website: “Jamie and Marshall have both been excellent for us so far this season and thoroughly deserved their Scotland debuts in the autumn.

“They both bring a different style and skillset to the squad but are as equally hard working and determined to continually develop and improve as players.

“We’re delighted to see two more young Scottish academy graduates commit their future to the club and we hope that they’ll be part of Edinburgh Rugby for the foreseeable future.”

Sykes, who joined the club from Glasgow in 2020, is excited about the future with Edinburgh.

He said: “This year has been massive for me. I feel every opportunity I’ve had, I haven’t taken for granted – from playing with Edinburgh to gaining my first cap against Tonga. At the same time, I look forward to what’s ahead, knowing I’m in the right place to keep pushing myself to get better.

“I’m really excited for the future at this club because I feel like this is just the beginning of a special period for Edinburgh Rugby.”

Hodgson, a former Watsonians player who has made 30 appearances since making his Edinburgh debut in 2018, added: “Edinburgh Rugby is a really enjoyable place to be at the minute. We are so lucky to have an incredible group of players.”