The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Triple signing boost for Edinburgh
CONTRACTS: Capital club move to tie down full-back and wings on new deals
Edinburgh have handed in-form backthree trio Blair Kinghorn, Damien Hoyland and Duhan van der Merwe with new contracts, the capital outfit announced yesterday.
The Myreside flyers have racked up 15 tries between them for Richard Cockerill’s side and have now been rewarded for their impressive displays.
Full-back Kinghorn, who has recently been called up to Gregor Townsend’s Scotland squad and was an unused substitute in the Six Nations win over France on Sunday, has penned a threeyear extension.
Wings van der Merwe and Hoyland have agreed fresh two-year and 12-month contracts respectively.
Cockerill said: “It’s great news that all three players have chosen to stay in Edinburgh. It’s a huge boost to both the club and the strong culture that we’re continuing to develop.
“Blair has been one of our most dangerous players this season and was fully deserving of his call up to the Scotland squad for the SixNations and he’s only continuing to develop.
“Duhan, since returning from injury, and Damien have already demonstrated throughout the season that they’re potent finishers and they’re both central to our plans moving forward.”
Edinburgh Academy product Kinghorn, 21, joined the club on his return from the 2015 World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy.
So far he has notched up 59 appearances for the club and currently leads the Guinness PRO14 in both metres gained and defenders beaten, with eight tries so far this season.
He said: “I’m really excited to be staying at Edinburgh for the next three years.
“We’ve got a great group of players and coaches and we’re building something special.”
Hoyland joined his hometown team from BT Premiership side Melrose 2014 and has since made 58 appearances for the club.
He made his Scotland debut during the summer test victory over Italy in 2015 and has earned four caps, scoring one try in the process.
The 24-year-old wing said: “I’m delighted to have committed to Edinburgh for another year.
“I’m very excited to be at a club that’s constantly moving forward and I’m grateful to be part of that. It’s also another great opportunity to further improve as a player and I’m more determined than ever to do so.”
South African youth international Van der Merwe joined the club from Montpellier last summer.
He said: “Re-signing with Edinburgh is providing me with a brilliant opportunity.
“I am really excited to be part of this era of Edinburgh Rugby, and to be part of this fantastic time of growth and success for the club.”