MURRAY DOUGLAS, who left Scotland in September 2014 after failing to earn a professional contract, will return home on a short-term deal with Edinburgh as second-row cover for the capital outfit during the World Cup at the start of next season.
The 29-year-old came through the ranks with Kirkcaldy, then played four seasons with Aberdeen Grammar between 2008 and 2012 while studying law in the city, before joining Heriot’s and helping them lift the Scottish Cup in 2014. He also captained the Scotland Club XV against Ireland and France that year.
He made a solitary appearance for Edinburgh against Cardiff Blues in 2012, before moving to Australia in the summer of 2015, making a handful of appearances for the Rebels of Melbourne during the 2016-17 Super Rugby season.
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He then picked up a contract with Wellington-based side the Hurricanes for whom he appeared seven times in 2018; before joining Brumbies on a two-year deal at the start of the current campaign and making his debut from the bench in this month’s 29-26 defeat to Rebels at AAMI Park.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to head back to Scotland in between Super Rugby seasons and represent the club that I grew up supporting,” said Douglas. “Edinburgh have been going from strength to strength in recent years, so it’s a very exciting time to be joining the club. I am very much looking forward to joining the group and contributing to the club’s continued success next season.’’
Edinburgh head coach Richard Cockerill added: “Murray has picked up plenty of experience in Super Rugby, playing alongside some of the most exciting players in the world.
“He’s a strong and skilful ball carrier that provides us with invaluable cover across a number of positions. We’re looking forward to watching how he develops in an already talented Edinburgh back-five.”