Blackwood on his way back to Watsonians

Published on Wednesday 21 May 2008 10:33

FORMER Edinburgh Rugby pro Jamie Blackwood today confirmed he will return to Watsonians next season.

For the past two years, the one-time age-group internationalist has been plying his trade at English National League Division One outfit Rotherham Earth Titans where he added centre to a repertoire of positions including scrum half and full back.

Blackwood says: "A run-out for Watsonians at the recent Jed-Forest Sevens whetted my appetite for next season even more.

"I learned a lot at Rotherham. We trained mostly in the evenings which allowed a bit of time to do some coaching during the day in developing community links.

"I feel I have a lot of new experiences to draw on since last playing in Scotland and hopefully I can pick up where I left off, as my last 15-a-side game for Watsonians was a Cup Final victory at Murrayfield. It's noticeable from looking at team-sheets in the Sunday papers that there have been a few changes in personnel but, hopefully, I can fit in."

The 26-year-old's return is a real boost as regular scrum-half Scott Stumbles returned to Australia at the beginning of this year. That left Kiwi Eddie Howe to battle for the spot with versatile Sam Paulo, and Blackwood's arrival will intensify competition.

As well as being a regular for Rotherham, he made four Magners Celtic League appearances for Edinburgh (three as sub) while coming off the bench against Perpignan and Llanelli in the Heineken European Cup.

It is understood that Edinburgh have monitored his return and welcome the fact he will be on the doorstep at a time when they have Scotland star Mike Blair starting, with Ben Meyer, a New Zealander, as principal back-up along with Greg Laidlaw.

Blackwood, son of former Scotland B winger, Andy, added: "I'm looking to find a job and settle back in at Watsonians. I'll happily take things from there without rushing into anything."

Meanwhile, former Scotland squad member and Edinburgh/Watsonians back-five forward Gregor Hayter has signed for Rotherham from Newbury.