EDINBURGH Rugby have signed Alex Northam, a 23-year-old winger from Australia. Northam joins the capital club from North Harbour Rays in Sydney, although he has been playing on loan at Atlantique Stade Rochelais, the French Top 14 club.

An Australian Under-20s international, Northam will replace full Scotland international Dougie Fife, who has been released by Edinburgh and now looks set for a future in Sevens. “Alex is a welcome addition to the club,” Edinburgh coach Alan Solomons said.

“He is a young wing with exceptional pace, who has played for Australia at under-20 level and has this past season gained valuable experience in the Top 14. I believe he will add a vital edge to our attack and look forward to having him with us next season.”

Having moved to La Rochelle as injury cover at the start of the season just ended, Northam believes he has already become accustomed to the differences in Northern Hemisphere rugby. “The game wasn’t as fast as in Australia, but it’s a lot more physical,” he said of his time in France.

“The boys are definitely a lot bigger, and the coaching was quite different. The language barrier was a challenge, so it’s good that in Scotland we speak the same language.”