Richard Cockerill pleased with Simon Hickey's addition to Edinburgh

Edinburgh have confirmed the signing of former New Zealand Under 20 captain Simon Hickey on a two year deal.

Hickey has the experience of playing for Auckland Blues and Bordeaux and will be part of Richard Cockerill's side that has already struck a deal with Scotland skipper John Barclay, who will join the club at the end of the season.

Yorkshire Carnegie prop Elliot Millar-Mills will also join the Myerside outfit for the remainder of the ongoing season to provide cover at tight-head.

"Simon is a creative young playmaker that already has a lot of experience playing in Super Rugby and the Top 14. We're developing some real competition at 10 and I believe he will be a strong edition to an exciting Edinburgh back-line," said Cockerill.

"I'm delighted that having seen the culture and environment we're building here at Edinburgh, he's chosen to join the club for the next two years.

"Elliot is a good young player and will provide cover in the front row for the rest of the season. I'm looking forward to seeing how he gets on in the months ahead."

Former Blues playmaker Hickey said: "After meeting with Richard Cockerill and seeing the club's recent results, I had no hesitation about joining Edinburgh.

"I'm really excited about the prospect of playing for the club, especially as they're looking to play an exciting brand of rugby which will suit my style of play. Edinburgh is a team on the rise, and I have no doubt that they're headed in a successful direction under Richard Cockerill and the rest of the coaching staff.

"I look forward to linking up with my future team-mates next season, settling into what is a wonderful city and hopefully playing a part in the club's future success."