Talented young trio sign new capital deals

• 19 Feb 2019

Up-and-coming Edinburgh trio George Taylor, Jason Baggott and Jack Stanley have today penned contract extensions which will see the stand-off, centre and prop remain in the capital for a further year.

Fosroc Scottish Rugby Academy products Taylor and Baggott – who both made their Edinburgh debuts in November’s Guinness PRO14 encounter against Munster – see their current deals extended by a further year, while Stanley sees his contract in partnership with Super 6 side Watsonians extended after joining the club on trial at the start of the 2018/19 campaign.

On the trio committing their immediate future to the club, Head Coach Richard Cockerill, said: “We’re really happy that all three boys have extended their stay at the club.

“Both George and Jason have come through the Fosroc Scottish Rugby Academy to make their debut for the club, whilst Jack has developed really well since arriving in the summer.

“They all work tirelessly every day in training and will no doubt continue that work ethic into next season.”

Having come through the ranks at Borders side Melrose – where Taylor lifted the Scottish Cup in 2018 – the centre penned his first professional deal with the capital side in May of the same year.

Taylor made his Edinburgh debut in November’s Guinness PRO14 fixture against Munster and has since featured in both of last month’s league encounters against Southern Kings.

On extending his stay in the capital, Taylor, who has represented Scotland at both under-18 and under-20 levels, said: “I’m really excited to see what the future holds for the club and I’m proud to be able to sign with Edinburgh for a further year.”

Baggott, 23, enrolled in the Fosroc Scottish Rugby Academy after moving to Scotland from South African side Southern Kings in July 2015.

Baggott – who helped guide Melrose to a League and Cup double in 2017/18 – made his Edinburgh debut in November’s Guinness PRO14 defeat to Munster at Irish Independent Park where the stand-off also notched up his first points via a lengthy conversion.

On signing a contract extension, the stand-off, said: “I’m really excited to have extended my stay in Edinburgh for another year. I have really enjoyed my time here and look forward to developing further with this great group of boys.”

Tighthead prop, Stanley, joined Edinburgh on trial at the beginning of the current campaign having previously been enrolled in the Exeter Chiefs Academy.

The former England under-20 man has seen game time at capital side Watsonians this season and extends his contract in partnership with the Super 6 club.

On penning the deal, Stanley, said: “It’s very pleasing to have signed and be part of such a talented group. I’m very excited to see what the future holds for this team.”