Bradbury named Edinburgh captain

Magnus Bradbury, 22, will captain Edinburgh for the 2017/18 season.

The Scotland back-row led his side out for the first time in Friday’s pre-season victory over Newcastle Falcons at the home of Melrose, The Greenyards.

On being named captain, Bradbury said: “I’m over the moon with the news, but I just want to keep my head down, keep doing what I’m doing and keep working hard with the boys. Hopefully we’ll get results when the season starts this week.

“Cockers [Head Coach, Richard Cockerill] has always said to me to lead by example and I would say I’m more that sort of guy. I would rather say something then do it, than ask other boys to do it. I’m definitely more about actions than words.”

A product of Oban High School, Merchiston Castle School and the national age-grade system, Bradbury joined the club on an Academy contract in 2014.

He made his senior debut in October that year when he was named in the starting XV to face Leinster at the RDS Arena and scored his first try in the home European Challenge Cup victory over Agen.

After winning Scotland representative and sevens honours, Bradbury made his full Scotland debut in the 2016 November Test victory over Argentina at BT Murrayfield.

The back-row committed to Edinburgh on a three-year deal ahead of the 2017/18 season.

Cockerill added: “Part of this is about developing leadership around a young man who has committed to the club, and building for the future.

“There will be other leaders alongside him – nines, 10s, 12s and lineout callers – but Magnus leads the team onto the field.

“The senior group all agreed that this was a good choice, that Magnus will be a good leader, and that it’s the best thing for the club moving forward.

“I thought Magnus was the right person within the group and suits the group’s dynamic.”

Rizzo joins Edinburgh on short-term loan

Italian international prop Michele Rizzo has joined Edinburgh Rugby as short-term injury cover.

The loosehead, who has been capped by his country on 23 occasions, moves north from Leicester Tigers.

Rizzo comes in to cover injuries to Allan Dell, Rory Sutherland and Alasdair Dickinson who are expected to be ruled out until October, November and December respectively.