John Hardie joins Edinburgh Rugby

Edinburgh rugby have announced the signing of Scotland international flanker John Hardie who will join the club with immediate effect.

The 27-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Scottish Rugby union, which will see him join up with Edinburgh now that Scotland’s Rugby World Cup campaign is over. 

Hardie, who originally hails from New Zealnd, joined Scotland's World Cup squad in July as a free agent after his previous playing contract with Kiwi Super Rugby franchise The Highlanders had ended. 

"It's a privilege to have the opportunity to stay in Scotland and play for a Scottish club." Hardie said. 

"I see it as an exciting new challenge in my rugby career and I am really looking forward to joining up with the squad and competing for a place in the team.

"Edinburgh have made a strong start to the season and I hope I can help the boys and contribute to continuing that success." 

Hardie featured in three World Cup matches for Scotland, the pick of his performances coming against Samoa where he scored two tries and won the man of the match award. He missed the two Pool B fixtures against USA and South Africa through injury. 

The Scottish Rugby Union first identified Hardie's eligibility for its national team over two years ago (his grandmother was born in Fife) and after a series of positive performances for his country in the Rugby World Cup and in the pre-tournamnet warmup fixtures earlier this summer, Hardie was offered the opportunity to continue playing in the northern hemisphere and Scotland with Edinburgh Rugby. 

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Alan Solomons said: "We are very happy to welcome John to Edinburgh Rugby. He is a quality player who will add real value to our squad."

Scott Johnson, Scottish Rugby's Director of Rugby, said: "John has proved himself to be an excellent professional and his performances during the Rugby World Cup consolidated our belief that we would like him continuing his rugby in Scotland.

"This new contract means he can develop his career in Scotland and make himself available for national selection.

"It is also vital we continue to recruit well to develop our professional teams, so his addition to the Edinburgh Rugby squad will strengthen both his connection to rugby in the country and the team."