Edinburgh Rugby sign Scottish-qualified hooker Adam McBurney

Edinburgh have signed Ulster hooker Adam McBurney.

Adam McBurney is a former Ireland U20 international but is Scottish qualified. Picture: Tony Marshall/Getty Images

The 24-year-old is Scottish qualified through his grandmother who was from Cadder, Lanarkshire.

He will join Edinburgh in the summer and his arrival will see Mike Willemse leave at the end of the season, the South African hooker having made 34 appearances for the capital club.

Ballymena-born McBurney is a former Ireland under-20 international and helped the young Irish side reach the 2016 World Rugby Under-20 Championship final where they lost to England.

He has made 35 appearances for Ulster since joining the club’s academy in 2016.

McBurney hopes working with Edinburgh coach and former England hooker Richard Cockerill well help him improve.

“Richard Cockerill was a world class player and is a world class coach,” McBurney said. “I still have a lot of learning in me. I hope to benefit from his experiences to bring the best out of me as a hooker.

New Edinburgh signing Adam McBurney has played 35 times for Ulster. Picture: Alex Davidson/Getty Images

“I've been in the same rugby environment since I was a kid and hope this change will challenge my ability to adapt, along with picking the brains of new coaches and players to develop my skills.

“I’d like to thank to Ulster for everything they’ve done to help me.”

Cockerill said: “We’re pleased to announce Adam will be joining our squad next season. He’s a tough and dynamic competitor with a lot of scope for development.

“He’s a good fit for us and – with Mike leaving – slots well into our stable of hookers.

“He’ll bring a lot of energy, a bit of edge and is a hard worker. We’re looking forward to linking up with him and seeing how he can progress.”

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