Edinburgh Rugby sign Mark Bennett from Glasgow Warriors

Edinburgh Rugby have signed Scotland centre Mark Bennett on a three-year deal.

By The Newsroom Tuesday, 14th February 2017, 1:57 pm Updated Wednesday, 1st March 2017, 8:51 am

Mark Bennett has 19 Scotland caps

Bennett, capped 19 times for his country, will make the switch from Glasgow Warriors at the end of the current season after signing a contract to play in the Capital until 2020.

The 24-year-old, a winner of a silver medal at last summer’s Olympic Games in Rio, came off the bench on Sunday as the Scots lost 22-16 in their Six Nations clash with France in Paris.

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Bennett said: “A key factor in my decision was that there’s a young squad at Edinburgh, who are going in the right direction and I can feel like I can add to that.

“At 24, I think I could be one of the older boys in the Edinburgh backline, which would be a new experience for me, but one that I’m looking forward to next season.

“I’ve also worked with (Edinburgh acting head coach) Duncan Hodge before as part of the Scotland set-up and I like his approach to the game as well, I think he is a very good coach and I’m looking forward to working with him again.

“The club as a whole seems to be heading in the right direction and I’m excited to be joining and contributing to the side’s progression over the next three years.”

Hodge added: “We’re delighted that Mark will be joining the club ahead of next season. It is great to welcome a young, Scottish international to the club.

“He’s a phenomenal player, who has accomplished a lot both at club and international level at the age of just 24, and his experience will be a welcome addition to our backline.

“Having worked with Mark over a number of years, I know he is ambitious and motivated to develop his own game as well as providing leadership to those around him.