GLASGOW WARRIORS and Scotland centre Mark Bennett has agreed to join Pro12 rivals Edinburgh on a three-year deal at the end of the season.
The 24-year-old, who was a part of Team GB's silver-medal winning Sevens team at the Rio Olympics last summer, signed a contract with the capital club until 2020 on Tuesday.
Bennett has been capped 19 times for Scotland and featured from the bench in the recent Six Nations clashes against France and Ireland.
“A key factor in my decision was that there’s a young squad at Edinburgh, who are going in the right direction and I can feel like I can add to that," he said.
“At 24 I think I could be one of the older boys in the Edinburgh backline, which would be a new experience for me, but one that I’m looking forward to next season.
“I’ve also worked with Duncan Hodge before as part of the Scotland set-up and I like his approach to the game as well, I think he is a very good coach and I’m looking forward to working with him again.
“The club as a whole seems to be heading in the right direction and I’m excited to be joining and contributing to the side’s progression over the next three years.”
Bennnet was a nominee for the 2015 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year after impressing with three tries at the World Cup and Edinburgh Acting Head Coach Duncan Hodge was excited by his arrival.
"We’re delighted that Mark will be joining the club ahead of next season," said Hodge.
"It is great to welcome a young, Scottish international to the club.
“He’s a phenomenal player, who has accomplished a lot both at club and international level at the age of just 24, and his experience will be a welcome addition to our backline.
"Having worked with Mark over a number of years, I know he is ambitious and motivated to develop his own game as well as providing leadership to those around him.
“This will be of huge benefit to the squad and we look forward to welcoming him here at Edinburgh.”
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