MARK BENNETT has agreed a contract extension which will keep him with Edinburgh for an unspecified period of time. The 24-times capped centre, who was an Olympic Silver medallist for the Team GB 7s team in 2016, joined the capital outfit from Glasgow Warriors in 2017, and the 29-year-old has hit some of the best form of his career playing under Mike Blair this season.
“I’m really happy to be staying at Edinburgh Rugby. It’s a great place to be, we are playing some brilliant flowing rugby and building a great home at DAM Health Stadium. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” he said.
Head coach Mike Blair added: “I’ve absolutely loved working with Mark [Bennett] this season. He’s really come into his own as a leader and we’ve been really impressed with the way he’s carried himself around our younger players too.
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“We all know Mark is a threat with ball in hand and that’s been more evident than ever this season. His work rate around the park is exceptional and he’s playing with a smile on his face too which is really important.
“We have a lot of young Scottish players developing into the team, so having smart, experienced guys like Mark is absolutely vital to the way we play. He’s going to have a massive role to play in both the 1872 Cup decider [on Saturday] and URC play-offs.”
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Bennett (a wonderful game changing player) should be given the 13 jersey in the summer, Jones at 15.
We will need to score tries to best Argentina and playing Bennett and Jones in the same team should assist with that.
Such a talented guy and great to see him finally start to flourish under the new look Edinburgh. A well deserved new contract – every time Mark gets the ball this season it just feels like he’s going to do something.
Mark has been an exceptional talent since his early playing career, particularly so at Millbrae. It was his ability to see opportunities to attack the opposing defence often leaving defenders looking totally bemused which enthralled the Millbrae faithful.
Good luck to him in the future.