Fifer Murray Douglas will interrupt his two year stint at Australian Super Rugby side the Brumbies to help Edinburgh through the World Cup period in the early part of next season.
The 29-year-old who began his career at Kirkcaldy ahead of spells with Aberdeen GSFP and in the capital with Heriot’s before he headed Down Under, told HeraldSport in January that he had not given up on his dream of representing Scotland and this short-term deal presents a chance to make an impression in his homeland.
During his time at Heriots. Douglas made one previous appearance for Edinburgh in the Pro12 seven years ago and will return for a five month period, interrupting his spell in Canberra.
Douglas joined the Brumbies in the autumn after previous spells in Super Rugby with the Melbourne Rebels and Wellington Hurricanes and he and his girlfriend are enjoying the lifestyle.
“Things going well here in Canberra so far. Megan and I have both settled in well. It’s a really good environment here at the Brumbies,” he said.
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“They are a very welcoming group of lads. The whole team is very tight which probably has something to do with how easy it is to get around a city like Canberra. You’re never more than 15/20 minutes away from anyone by car regardless of where about in the city you are so it’s easy to arrange barbeques’s, team dinners or any other socials on relatively short notice.”
The 6’6”, 18 stone plus lock, who can also play at blindside flanker was, though, aware when he signed for them that there would be an opportunity to return to Europe in between Super Rugby seasons and he has jumped at the chance to join an organisation that is much more settled under head coach Richard Cockerill than it was when he got his previous chance with them as a 23-year-old.
“I’m really excited to be presented with the opportunity to join Edinburgh,” said Douglas. “It’s a great opportunity for me to head back to Scotland in between Super Rugby Seasons and represent the club that I grew up supporting. Edinburgh have been going from strength to strength in recent years, so it’s a very exciting time to be joining the club. I am very much looking forward to joining the group and contributing to the club’s continued success next season.’’
For Cockerill, who looks likely to have to do without Grant Gilchrist during the World Cup and may also lose his regular second-row partner Ben Toolis for that period, the recruitment of such a battle-hardened performer is obviously welcome.
“Murray has picked up plenty of experience in Super Rugby, playing alongside some of the most exciting players in the world,” said the coach.“He’s a strong and skilful ball carrier that provides us with invaluable cover across a number of positions. We’re looking forward to watching how he develops in an already talented Edinburgh back-five.”
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