Edinburgh sign Scotland captain Barclay

Nov 18 • General News, Guinness Pro14 • 2447 Views • Comments Off on Edinburgh sign Scotland captain Barclay

Edinburgh Rugby has signed Scotland captain John Barclay on a two-year deal. The 64-times capped back-row will join the club at the end of the season from Scarlets whom he skippered to the Guinness PRO12 (now PRO14) title last season.

The 31-year-old, who will return to Scotland after five years in South-West Wales, said: “I spoke with Richard Cockerill and he outlined his vision for the future.

“Edinburgh as a club, and as a city, has a huge amount of potential and I can see what they are trying to do, so I’m looking forward to being a part of it. Scotland is home, so it’ll be great to come back and play at one of my home clubs.”

On securing the services of Barclay, Edinburgh Head Coach Richard Cockerill, said: “We’re delighted that a player of John’s calibre has chosen to join Edinburgh.

“He’s a terrific player, with a proven track record and his leadership values will only add to the strong culture we’re building at this club. John is committed to taking Edinburgh forward and his ambition to create a winning environment will benefit our squad immensely.”

A product of Dollar Academy and former recipient of the prestigious Macphail Scholarship, Barclay began his professional career with Glasgow Warriors aged just 18-years-old. His performances for the now Scotstoun-based side were soon rewarded with selection in Scotland’s squad for the 2007 World Cup in France where he made his international debut against New Zealand aged 20.

Barclay amassed 152 appearances over eight years in the West before joining Scarlets in 2013. As one of the Llanelli outfit’s most consistent and respected performers, the back-row was named the team’s captain ahead of the 2016/17 season before lifting the Guinness PRO12 title, defeating Munster 46-22 in the final.

The 31-year-old was named Scotland captain during the 2016 Six Nations and skippered the National Team during Gregor Townsends’s inaugural summer tour to Australia, Singapore and Fiji. He continued his captaincy in last weekend’s win over Samoa and will lead Scotland out against the All Blacks at BT Murrayfield tomorrow.