Cockerill is thrilled as trio sign on dotted line
EDINBURGH received a derby boost yesterday after securing Scotland internationals Mark Bennett and Lewis Carmichael as well as rising star Luke Crosbie on new extended deals. Bennett has been handed a new contract on the basis of his form this season after admitting his first two years at Edinburgh had been a write-off due to a series of injuries. The centre picked up a serious hamstring tear in Scotland’s embarrassing 61-21 Six Nations hammering against England at Twickenham in March 2017 that delayed his Edinburgh debut until the following February. The season after, he suffered a hamstring tear against Ulster in only the second match of the campaign that forced him to miss most of that campaign, returning only for the final seven fixtures of the league programme. After such an injury-prone two years, he was under no illusions his future at the club was in danger if he didn’t have a very good start to this season. However, he has scored five tries in ten appearances. ‘The club is going in the right direction and it’s something I’ve really bought into during my spell at Edinburgh,’ said Bennett, set to start against his old club Glasgow Warriors at BT Murrayfield tomorrow. ‘I’ve enjoyed my time here in the city and it’s been brilliant being able to find my feet in the back line this season.’ Edinburgh head coach Richard Cockerill, who did not divulge the length of the contracts handed out, said Bennett was a major part of his future plans. ‘Mark’s quick and decisive and looks to be back to his best,’ said the Englishman. ‘We’re really happy that he’s re-signed with the club and he’ll be an important player for us in the seasons to come.’ Second-row Carmichael, 24, started his career at Melrose before signing for Edinburgh three-and-a-half years ago. Last season, he missed the whole campaign after a knee operation but has played seven games this term. ‘He’s a hard-working young player who we’ve seen continual improvement from during my time at Edinburgh,’ said Cockerill.