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Hardie, left, with captain Greig Laidlaw after the heart-breaking loss to Australia. Gareth Fuller
hardie bucks

Edinburgh's excellent start to the season made even better with signing of Hardie

Edinburgh, now with added Highlanders.

EDINBURGH HAVE TODAY confirmed the signing of Scotland’s World Cup openside revelation John Hardie.

The Kiwi qualified to play for Scotland through his Fife-born grandmother and made his international debut this summer before playing a key role in an impressive tournament from Vern Cotter’s men.

Hardie has committed to two years with an Edinburgh team who have taken full advantage of the World Cup window with four wins from four in the Pro12.

Edinburgh’s resurgence has been, in no small part, down to the arrival of Nasi Manu and the east-coast Scots must feel that they can only improve further when the two recent Highlanders back rows are reunited.

“This new contract means he can develop his career in Scotland and make himself available for national selection,” says the SRU’s director of rugby, Scott Johnson.

“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.”

Having won a Super Rugby title with the Dunedin-based Highlanders (though he missed out on the climax of the season with a rib injury), Hardie says it’s a privilege to move to the original ‘Dun Eideann’, Edinburgh.

It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to stay in Scotland and play for a Scottish club. 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.”

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