EDINBURGH have made significant progress in their planning for next season and beyond by re-signing three key players – centre Mark Bennett, lock Lewis Carmichael and back-row forward Luke Crosbie. All three have agreed new deals for unspecified periods.
Bennett, who joined from Glasgow Warriors on a three-year contract in 2017, has shown signs of returning to his best form this season after two injury-interrupted years. Although he has not added to his 22 Scotland caps since the 2018 summer tour to the Americas, he has a good chance of a recall to the national squad if he keeps up his performance levels over the coming weeks.
“The club is going in the right direction and it’s something that I’ve really bought into during my spell at Edinburgh,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed my time here in the city and it’s been brilliant being able to find my feet in the backline this season. I’m looking forward to pulling on the jersey and representing this club in the years to come.”
Twenty-four-year-old Carmichael won his two caps to date on the same tour, but then missed the whole of last season and the start of the current campaign because of knee damage. He has now made seven appearances this season for Edinburgh, however, and has impressed head coach Richard Cockerill with his attitude.
“Lewis had a tough time with injuries last year, but he has come back stronger,” Cockerill said. “We’ve been really happy with his development so far this season.
“He is a local guy who has come right through the club’s academy system. It’s great to see another young, Scottish player commit his future to Edinburgh Rugby.”
Crosbie, the youngest of the three at 22, won eight caps for Scotland Under-20s and was called up to the senior squad for last year’s Six Nations Championship. He signed from Edinburgh from Currie at the end of 2017.
“We’re delighted that Luke has re-signed with the club,” Cockerill said. “He’s a hard-working young player who we’ve seen continual improvement from during my time at Edinburgh.”
Speaking of Bennett, the coach added: “Mark is a proven internationalist who has performed really well to start this season. He’s quick and decisive and looks to be back to his best. 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.”