JAMIE BHATTI is the latest Scotland player to move employment along the M8 from Glasgow Warriors to Edinburgh, with it being announced this lunch-time that the loose-head prop has followed in the footsteps of Mark Bennett, Henry Pyrgos and (slightly more circuitously) John Barclay will join the capital outfit in the summer on a two-year deal.
The 25-year-old, who has been capped 13 times by Scotland, most recently off the bench against Ireland during the Six Nations, has struggled for game-time with Warriors this season, and will fill the gap created in Richard Cockerill‘s squad by the imminent departure of Scotland first-choice loose-head Allan Dell to London Irish during the summer.
“I’ve really enjoyed my three years at Glasgow Warriors and want to thank the coaches and staff that I worked with at Scotstoun,” said Bhatti, who came through the ranks at Hillfoots, Stirling County and Melrose, before picking up his first pro contact with Warriors ahead of the 2017-18 season.
10 things we learned from the 2019 Six Nations campaign
Blair Kinghorn rules himself out for the rest of season
Scotland Under-18s edged out by English power
“I met with Richard Cockerill and liked what he had to say about the opportunity at Edinburgh. There’s a great squad already in place, that are all pulling in the same direction, and I’m excited to be a part of that for the next two seasons.”
Bhatti will be battling against Pierre Schoeman for the Edinburgh No 1 jersey, while Rory Sutherland and Darryl Marfo also have international pedigree at loose-head.
“Jamie has been a quality pro at Glasgow for a number for years, so we’re delighted that he’s chosen to come across and join us here in Edinburgh,” said Cockerill.
“His addition creates a great amount of competition at the loose-head position and we’re looking forward to seeing him kick on and gain some further experience with this talented squad.”
Shade Munro leaves Scotland Women for Scottish Rugby Academy post
