Sykes pens two-year extension

• 13 May 2024
• News

Edinburgh Rugby has continued to strengthen its squad for the new season with the extension of Scotland internationalist Marshall Sykes until 2026.

Sykes, 24, has proven himself as one of Edinburgh’s most effective and resilient forwards this current campaign, featuring in 19 matches in all competitions.

Known for his tenacious defence, work-rate, and ability to disrupt opposition set-piece, Sykes has gone from strength to strength since joining from Glasgow Warriors in 2020.

On extending terms with the capital club, he said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be extending my contract with Edinburgh Rugby.

“The club and city have become a real home for me, and I’m excited to be a part of what’s to come in the next two years. There’s a real sense of togetherness here and I take a huge amount of pride every time I get to pull on the Edinburgh jersey.

“Sean [Everitt] has been brilliant since he came in and I’ve really enjoyed working with him so far this season. The boys are giving their all and you can see that in our performances. We’ll be leaving nothing out there with two huge games to come at this business end of the campaign.”

Born in Woodbridge and educated at Ipswich’s St Joseph’s College, Sykes represented Scotland at U18 level before making his Scotland U20 debut during the 2018 U20 Six Nations.

Despite missing the 2019 U20 Six Nations due to injury, Sykes’ form for club side Ayr saw him named in the Scotland squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship in Argentina, playing in all five of the side’s matches at the tournament.

A standout player for FOSROC Super Series side Ayrshire Bulls prior to his move to the Scottish capital, Sykes made his first Edinburgh Rugby start against Dragons at the Principality Stadium in March 2021.

The lock then scored his first try for the club in the 28-28 Rainbow Cup draw against Scarlets in June 2021.

Sykes then made his Scotland debut in an Autumn Nations Test against Tonga at Scottish Gas Murrayfield in October 2021.

The lock made his 50^th Edinburgh Rugby appearance in December’s EPCR Challenge Cup victory over Castres Olympique, with Friday’s win against Zebre Parma Sykes’ 60^th appearance in the capital, all before the age of 25.

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Sean Everitt added: “Re-signing Marshall [Sykes] is fantastic news for the club. He brings a never-say-die attitude to the pitch, and his work rate is phenomenal. He’s a real competitor and always gives his all for the team.

“He consistently puts in the extra yards, and that’s exactly the kind of attitude we need to succeed. Marshall will continue to be a big player for us in the years to come.”