Star centre Bennett pens two-year deal

Bennett, 30, has been one of Edinburgh Rugby’s standout performers in recent years, with the Olympic silver medallist providing attacking flair and leadership in the capital midfield.

Bennett’s return to form was given official recognition when he was named Scottish Building Society Player of the Season for 2021/22.

That was followed by a call-up to Scotland’s summer tour squad, where he started and played 80 minutes in all three Tests against Argentina, scoring two tries.

Bennett has been almost ever-present in 2022/23, starting in every match he’s been selected, with nine BKT URC appearances and three Heineken Champions Cup games to his name so far this campaign. 

The former Cumnock and Ayr RFC man now can’t wait to continue represent Edinburgh Rugby moving forward, sharing his delight at today extending terms with the capital side. 

Bennett said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be staying in Edinburgh. I love it here and there’s nowhere else I’d want to be playing my rugby right now.

“With the exciting squad we’ve got in place, and a brilliant new home, it’s a real joy to run out every week and represent our supporters. 

“I mentioned for a while that perhaps Edinburgh fans hadn’t seen the best of me because of injuries, but it feels now that we’ve got such a great attacking blueprint in place, and one that I can really thrive in moving forward.” 

Bennett’s form has continued onto the international stage in 2022/23 with the centre featuring in the recent Autumn Nations Series Tests at BT Murrayfield.

Bennett – who has won 30 caps for Scotland – started against Australia, before coming off the bench in the narrow defeat to the All Backs.

Back on club duty, the centre’s attention now turns to a run of vital BKT URC and Heineken Champions fixtures that could well shape Edinburgh’s season.

He continued: “We’ve got a run of huge games to end the season, starting with an unbeaten Leinster side at home this Saturday night.

“It doesn’t get much bigger than the Irish giants coming to town to play in front of a packed house with our fans behind us. It’s a massive challenge for us, but one we’re all absolutely relishing as a squad.”

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Mike Blair has welcomed the re-signing of Bennett:

He said: “Mark’s re-signing is really important for the club. His leadership and experience is vital, while his smarts and reading of the game allows us to play with an attacking style that really suits his skillset.

“Mark’s resilience has also been really impressive. There aren’t too many players in rugby who’ve had to work their way back from injuries and setbacks like he has, and that’s credit to his strong will and desire to play the game he loves.

“We were really proud to see Mark pick up last year’s Scottish Building Society Player of the Season, before gaining further international honours in the Summer and Autumn Tests.

“It’s brilliant that he’ll continue playing his rugby in Edinburgh for the seasons to come.”