| JONES AIMING TO KEEP EDINBURGH’S SUCCESS STORY GOING |
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| Tuesday, 26 May 2009 | |
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Steve Jones has become Edinburgh’s latest new recruit and the Scotland ‘A’ full-back admits he is looking forward to challenging both Chris Paterson and Jim Thompson for the team’s number 15 jersey next season. “Edinburgh did not finish second for nothing. The club seems to have kept the same core of players together for a couple of years now and they are starting to deliver results. I want to be part of that success story continuing. “I wanted to move back to Scotland because I’ve got aspirations to get into the national squad; I knew from January onwards that I wanted to move to Edinburgh. “I know that both Chris and Jim are good players and I’m looking forward to the challenge. Chris is a world class kicker, so I fully understand it will be a difficult task to become first choice. “But I’ve not just signed to play for Edinburgh; I also want to become Scotland’s first choice full-back, so I’m going to give it everything to make the jersey mine.” Jones revealed that it was his relationship with backs coach Rob Moffat, developed on last year’s Churchill Cup tour, which triggered off the move. He added: “I spoke to Rob to see what was happening and he said there might be the possibility of me coming up to Edinburgh, so I was pretty keen for that to happen. “As soon as I made aware that there was a chance of a move materialising, I definitely wanted to come. “I worked with Rob on the Scotland ‘A’ tour last year and I get on very well with him as a person. He is all about player development which is ideal for me at this stage in my career. “I feel I can improve and become a much better player at Edinburgh. I worked with Andy Robinson as well with Scotland ‘A’ earlier on in the year and I liked the intensity of his coaching.” Jones also says he is looking forward to being reunited with some of his former Borders team-mates, including British and Irish Lions hooker Ross Ford. He said: “I’m quite close friends with Ross, Nick De Luca and Scott Newlands, so I’m really looking forward to meeting up with them again.” Formerly with rugby league team, Huddersfield Giants, Jones brings both size and experience to Edinburgh’s back three and head coach Andy Robinson believes he will be a sound signing. Robinson said: “I enjoyed working with Steve for Scotland ‘A’ and I was impressed with his ability and level of physicality. “He has a willingness to learn and I’m sure he will develop into a valued member of the Edinburgh squad over the next couple of seasons.” Jones has shown his commitment for the 2009/2010 and now Edinburgh supporters are being encouraged to follow suit by signing up for a great value Season Ticket package. Junior Season Tickets, for supporters under the age of 18, are available for only £30 which enables the supporter to enjoy 24 hours of top-class rugby action. For more details, supporters are advised to visit the club’s official website, edinburghrugby.org or to call the Scottish Rugby Ticket Centre on 0131 346 5180. • Edinburgh recorded their highest ever finish in the Magners League during the 2008/2009 season (second place). • Edinburgh became the Magners League leading scorers with a grand total of 416 – 11 more than champions Munster – for the 2008/2009 season. • Edinburgh set a new all-time club record by winning the final six matches of the season in succession (Connacht, Cardiff, home, Leinster, Ospreys, Dragons and Cardiff, away). • Edinburgh recorded a 20% increase in attendance during the 2008/2009 Heineken Cup season. • Edinburgh broke the nation’s record crowd for a Magners League match when 12, 534 watched the David Lloyd 1872 Cup match against Glasgow on Boxing Day. • Since being appointed Edinburgh head coach in October 2007, head coach Andy Robinson has only signed Scottish qualified players (15, Ross Ford, Jim Hamilton, Chris Paterson, Kyle Traynor, Sean Crombie, Steven Turnbull, Jim Thompson, Fraser McKenzie, Bruce McNeil, Marc Teague, Scott MacLeod, Ross Samson, Roddy Grant, David Young and Steve Jones). |
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