Edinburgh have re-signed two of their forward pack and added two new recruits to their squad for next season – namely Andrew Kelly, Fraser McKenzie, Dave Denton and James King.
Seasoned campaigner and Edinburgh born and bred Andrew “Ned” Kelly, who has played 126 times for the club, has agreed a new two year deal. Kelly, a fine ball-playing hooker, who has represented Scotland at every level up to the A team, has impressed head coach Rob Moffat for his appetite for improvement.
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“Ned has had a good season and we want him to kick on and continue that drive to get better next season.
“You could argue that he’s in a tough position when we have Ross Ford in our squad. But he has pushed Ross really hard all season and that’s what we want – real competition for a starting place.”
Another Scotland A cap, former Scotland under-18 and under-19 captain and Scotland 7s internationalist, flanker Fraser McKenzie, has also re-signed, on this occasion for one year. Fraser, 22, a product of the Dunfermline club, faces a “big season” according to Moffat.
“The past year has been a bit frustrating for Fraser. He was on the bench around eight or nine times for us but the forthcoming season will be important for him and we’ll be looking for him to play more rugby for us,” Moffat explained.
Zimbabwean born back-row forward Dave Denton, 20, signs on a two-year contract from Scottish Rugby’s National Academy.
Denton, who played for Edinburgh Accies in the Scottish Hydro Premier Division 1 this past season, is part of a voracious back-row in the Scotland under-20 squad alongside his captain, Watsonians No 8 Stuart McInally, who has already signed for Edinburgh for next season.
Scottish qualified Denton is a “big, physical ball-carrying forward. He’ll provide the physical presence that’s such a vital ingredient to back-row play,” Moffat said.
Lastly, midfield back James King, 24, is returning to professional ranks on a one-year deal.
About a year ago King was contemplating whether he would continue to play rugby but his second season at Melrose, under the tutelage of Craig Chalmers has given him a platform to sign for Edinburgh.
Moffat said: “We are looking at James to play midfield, most probably at 12. He is a ball-player and we’ve signed him because of the quality of his performances in the club game. He’s the sort of player we want in midfield – a ball player.”
Berwick born King, a Scotland age-grade and club internationalist, who was an apprentice at the Borders, played rugby in New Zealand and had a year playing professionally with L’Aquila in Italy, said he had taken encouragement from his new Edinburgh team-mates Mark Robertson and John Houston who had also been signed from club sides.
“It does show that if you play consistently well in Premier 1 that there are chances to win a pro-contract and I’m determined to take my chance,” he said.
