Edinburgh Rugby sign youngsters to full squad

Edinburgh have handed extended senior contracts to three of their elite development pool.

Edinburgh coach Alan Solomons has welcomed the signings. Picture: TSPL

Head coach Alan Solomons has rewarded untried back-row forward Hamish Watson, hooker George Turner, who has made 17 appearances, and 20-year-old wing Jamie Farndale.

Solomons said: “At loose-forward, Hamish is a terrific young talent. He hasn’t had a lot of opportunities this year but he will make his mark next year, I have no doubt about that. He has a lot of promise.

“George Turner is a really promising young hooker. He is a dynamic, explosive player and I think this new contract and increased exposure is going to make a huge difference to him. I expect him to grow as a player in leaps and bounds. Jamie is another fine athlete who joins our senior squad.”

Meanwhile, South African lock Rynier Bernardo has signed a three-year deal to join the Ospreys next season. The 22-year-old will make the switch from Eastern Province Kings, and is the Ospreys’ fourth signing for next term alongside Josh Matavesi from Worcester and Dragons duo Dan Evans and Sam Parry. “This is a fantastic opportunity for me, personally and professionally, and I’m really excited about arriving in Wales this summer,” said Bernardo. “The Ospreys are a great team used to competing at the top end of the PRO12 and I’m looking forward to being a part of a young and talented squad there.”