JAMIE Hodgson and Marshall Sykes have both pledged their immediate futures to Edinburgh by signing new contracts. The two second-row forwards made their Scotland debuts against Tonga in the Autumn Nations Series and have emerged this season as regular members of Mike Blair’s squad.
“Jamie and Marshall have both been excellent for us so far this season and thoroughly deserved their Scotland debuts in the Autumn,” the head coach said. “They both bring a different style and skillset to the squad but are as equally as hard working and determined to continually develop and improve as players. We’re delighted to see two more young Scottish Academy graduates commit their future to the club and we hope that they’ll be part of Edinburgh Rugby for the foreseeable future.”
Hodgson, 23, played for Watsonians in Super6 before becoming a full-time Edinburgh player. He made his debut for the pro team in 2018.
“I’m really excited to be staying at Edinburgh,” he said. “This is my club and the club that I’ve grown up supporting. I came through the academy here and it’s where I was given the opportunity to play professional rugby. Edinburgh is very special to me, so many of my friends are here and I feel very proud to represent my city.
“I think the last few seasons I’ve shown what I’m about performing for Edinburgh. To get capped for Scotland was a dream come true and an unbelievable experience.
“The environment they have created in camp is incredible and it was really special to be a part of that. I learnt a huge amount and I want to continue to get better and better and challenge myself every week and hopefully I’ll get the opportunity to do it again.
“Edinburgh Rugby is a really enjoyable place to be at the minute. We are so lucky to have an incredible group of players and staff and it definitely feels like we are building something special at the club.
“To have our own stadium full of our own fans has been amazing and it’s important to note they are such a massive part of making the atmosphere here at the club. I look forward to what the future holds for us.”
Sykes, two years Hodgson’s junior at 21, played for Ayrshire Bulls in Super6. He was then a member of the Glasgow Warriors squad before signing for Edinburgh last year.
“I’m so grateful to have been able to commit my future to Edinburgh Rugby,” he said. “Personally, it means everything as I’ve got a top-class support system surrounding me from all aspects and I really feel it will allow me to be the best I can be.
“This year has been massive for me. I feel every opportunity I’ve had, I haven’t taken for granted – from playing with Edinburgh to gaining my first cap against Tonga. At the same time, I look forward to what’s ahead, knowing I’m in the right place to keep pushing myself to get better.
“The main thing for me is I come into training every day with a smile on my face and I leave with one on my face too. When you’ve got an environment like that you’re bound to see it reflect on the pitch, which in my opinion it has.
“I’m really excited for the future at this club because I feel like this is just the beginning of a special period for Edinburgh Rugby.”
Good news for Edinburgh both are excellent prospects
Interesting and positive news, particularly if Skinner arrives (and Cummings leaves Glasgow). Wonder if Toolis is away down the M8.
Why would Cumming leave Glasgow, he just signed a long term (rumored to be 3 year) contract earlier this year?
Because it’s full of schemies and patter.
Toolis is away to Japan. Good luck to him.
Sykes is a beast. He’ll be – or should be – locking down both the Edinburgh and Scotland scrum next season