Hickey answers Edinburgh call and can’t wait to get started

Edinburgh have secured the signing of former Blues playmaker Simon Hickey from Bordeaux Begles on a two-year deal. The 23-yearold will join the club at the end of the season.

Hickey said: “After meeting with head coach Richard Cockerill and seeing the club’s recent results, I had no hesitation about joining.

“I’m excited about playing for the club, especially as they’re looking to play an exciting brand of rugby which will suit my style. Edinburgh are a team on the rise and I have no

“Developing real competition at 10 and he will be a strong addition”

doubt they’re headed in a successful direction under Richard. I look forward to next season, settling into a wonderful city and hopefully playing a part in the club’s future success.”

Hickey began his career at Auckland-based King’s College, a school that has produced several All Blacks legends including Ali Williams and Ian Kirkpatrick.

He captained the college’s rugby and cricket 1st XV before quickly ascending into the senior rugby ranks, making his Auckland debut off the bench during the provincial side’s 59-16 win against Manawatu at Eden Park. The New Zealander captained his country at under-20 level during the 2014 junior world championship in his homeland, playing a pivotal role in the Baby Blacks’ trip to a third-place finish. During the tournament, the traditional powerhouse defeated a Scotland side featuring current Edinburgh teammates Magnus Bradbury, Jamie Ritchie, Lewis Carmichael, Cameron Fenton and Damien Hoyland.

Hickey made his first appearance for the Blues in February 2014 and went on to play 16 games before announcing his decision to join French Top 14 side Bordeaux-Begles in October 2015. He has since notched 235 points in 28 games.

Cockerill said: “Simon is a creative young playmaker who already has experience playing in Super Rugby and the Top 14. We’re developing some real competition at 10 and I believe he will be a strong addition to an exciting Edinburgh backline.”

Meanwhile, 25-year-old prop Elliot Millar-Mills has joined the club from Yorkshire Carnegie to provide cover at tighthead for the remainder of the season.

The brother of Scotland Women’s international Bridget and England Women’s cap Harriet, Millar-Mills qualifies to play for Scotland through his mother Elspeth, who is from Hamilton.