Damien Hoyland earns two-year Edinburgh deal

EDINBURGH have signed Melrose and Scotland Under-20 winger Damien Hoyland.
Damien Hoyland pictured playing for Melrose against Heriot's. Picture: Toby WilliamsDamien Hoyland pictured playing for Melrose against Heriot's. Picture: Toby Williams
Damien Hoyland pictured playing for Melrose against Heriot's. Picture: Toby Williams

The 20-year-old, who has scored six tries in 11 Scotland Under-20 appearances, will join the club on a two-year deal in the summer.

Hoyland said: “It’s hard to put into words how happy I am to get this opportunity.

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“I’ve always dreamed that I might get this chance since I started playing rugby so I’m absolutely delighted, especially as it’s with Edinburgh Rugby who I’ve supported from a young age.

“It’s quite surreal really. I was invited to spend a couple of months with the squad from October to December which really helped. I met and travelled with the team and was exposed to the intensity of their training.

“There’s a lot of experience in the Edinburgh Rugby squad and I could feel myself getting better even in that short time so I’m really happy to be given an opportunity to be part of that longer term.”

Head coach Alan Solomons has gradually integrated Hoyland after receiving good reports about his performances.

“We had a closer look at him in training at Murrayfield and have taken him on a couple of away matches to introduce him to our squad and set-up, and show him how we operate,” Solomons said.

“He’s a talented, young Scottish player and it’s great that he joins us for next season.”

Born and raised in the capital, the former James Gillespie’s High School pupil is considered one of the top Scottish prospects to have come through the region’s player pathway while playing for former club, Boroughmuir and attending the rugby performance course at Telford College.