Edinburgh Rugby sign lock forwards Andrew Davidson and Marshall Sykes

Davidson makes switch from Glasgow Warriors

Andrew Davidson has spent the last two seasons with Glasgow Warriors.

Edinburgh have confirmed the signing of former Scotland Under-20 international Andrew Davidson from Glasgow Warriors and added another second row forward in the shape of Marshall Sykes.

The deals are subject to medicals.

News of Davidson’s move across the M8 emerged earlier this month. The 23-year-old signed for Warriors two years ago from Newcastle Falcons and played Super6 for Stirling County last season. At 6ft 7in and 16 stone he will add some heft to the Edinburgh boiler-room.

New Edinburgh signing Marshall Sykes, centre, is a Scotland U20 international.

Sykes, 20, has come through the Scottish Rugby Academy and has played Super6 for Ayrshire Bulls. This is his first professional contract and he is described as versatile forward who can also play in the back row.

Edinburgh Rugby said both deals were done prior to lockdown.

“We’re really excited to secure the signatures of both Andrew and Marshall – they’re two players that add further strength and depth to our squad,” said Edinburgh coach Richard Cockerill.

“Andrew gained plenty of experience down at Newcastle Falcons, while he’s been impressive in limited game time since his return to Glasgow.

“Marshall is still pretty raw, but he’s extremely hardworking and we believe that he has the potential to develop into a really talented lock or back-row. We look forward to working with both players moving forward.”

Davidson came through the ranks at Glasgow’s Kelvinside Academy, before joining the FOSROC Scottish Rugby Academy where he played his club rugby with Glasgow Hawks.

After a short loan spell with London Scottish, the lock made the move to Newcastle Falcons where he featured in 28 matches during a three-year spell at Kingston Park.

Davidson joined Warriors on loan in August 2018 before his move back to Glasgow was made permanent for the 2019-20 campaign.

He said: “The opportunity to join Edinburgh came up and I thought it would be a great place for me to further develop and improve as a player.

“Edinburgh have shown over the past few seasons that they are one of the best clubs in the league and I’m looking forward to getting started with my new team-mates.”

Like Davidson, Sykes is a Scotland Under-20 international. He was born in Woodbridge, Suffolk, and qualifies for Scotland through his Dundee-born grandmother.

He represented Scotland at U18 level before making his Scotland U20 debut during the 2018 U20 Six Nations.

After a successful 2018 World Rugby U20 Championship campaign, Sykes was aligned to Glasgow Warriors as a Stage 3 FOSROC Scottish Rugby Academy player ahead of the 2018-19 season.

Despite missing the 2019 Under-20 Six Nations due to injury, Sykes' form for club side Ayr saw him named in the Scotland squad for the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Argentina, playing in all five of his side's matches at the tournament.

He said: “I’m very grateful for all the support that I have received during the past two years in the FOSROC Scottish Rugby Academy.

“It’s helped my development massively and opened up this opportunity to join a top club like Edinburgh.

“Edinburgh is clearly a club that prides itself on being physical which is definitely an area that I believe I can excel in.

“For me, it’s now about getting myself in the best condition to hit the ground running for the upcoming season. I hope to make a good impression from the get go and make my mark with my new teammates.”