ANDY ROBINSON has moved to further strengthen his Edinburgh rugby squad for next season by offering contract extensions to four of his men.
Just 24 hours after securing the services of three Academy players, Robinson sealed the signatures of Ross Rennie, John Houston, Andrew Turnbull and Greig Laidlaw on new deals.
The quartet earned the new deals after impressing Robinson with their
efforts this season. For Rennie, who came through the ranks with Stewart's-Melville before progressing to the pro game, it has been a season of great progress, topped off when he earned his first Scotland cap against Ireland in the RBS Six Nations.
The 22 year old, who has signed on for two more years, admits the decision to stay on was an easy one, saying: "I'm very happy about committing myself to another two years at Edinburgh. I have been pleased with the way Edinburgh has been going so far this season and I've enjoyed it."
The highlights of the season for Houston – a former Hawick and Heriot's centre – included tries in the Heineken Cup against Toulouse and Leinster as well as a Scotland A cap, while Laidlaw, who was believed to be on the wish lists of other clubs, has also had a taste of international rugby with the Sevens squad, as well as featuring for Edinburgh Accies in the Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership.
For former Watsonians winger Turnbull, who is Edinburgh's leading try scorer in the current Magners League campaign, this season has been a transition from his previous involvement with the Sevens squad, where his searing pace was a major asset.
He is delighted with the way things have gone, and said: "I have really enjoyed it and it has been my first season getting decent 15-a-side rugby. I've still got a lot to work on for next year, but I've really enjoyed my first season."
Meanwhile, the SRU has announced that the price of tickets for next season's RBS Six Nations matches against Wales and Ireland will be unchanged from this year, while places for the match against Italy will be available from £10. The tickets go on sale at Murrayfield next Tuesday, with adults paying £30, £45 and £60 for the visits of Wales and Ireland, while prices for the game against Italy are £20, £30 and £60. Students and under-18s are half-price.
The full article contains 402 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
