Scotland prop Bhatti makes capital switch

• 18 Mar 2019

Edinburgh have continued to strengthen their squad ahead of next season with the signing of Scotland international loosehead prop, Jamie Bhatti, on a two-year deal.

Bhatti, 25, has made 13 appearances for the national side – the latest coming against Ireland in round two of the 2019 Guinness Six Nations – and will join the capital outfit from Glasgow Warriors following the conclusion of the current Guinness PRO14 campaign.

On signing for Edinburgh, Bhatti said: “I’ve really enjoyed my three years at Glasgow Warriors and want to thank the coaches and staff that I worked with at Scotstoun.

“I met with Richard Cockerill and liked what he had to say about the opportunity at Edinburgh. There’s a great squad already in place, that are all pulling in the same direction, and I’m excited to be a part of that for the next two seasons.”

Head Coach Richard Cockerill, added: “Jamie has been a quality pro at Glasgow for a number for years, so we’re delighted that he’s chosen to come across and join us here in Edinburgh.

“His addition creates a great amount of competition at the loosehead position and we’re looking forward to seeing him kick on and gain some further experience with this talented squad.”

Having come through the ranks at Perthshire side Hillfoots RFC, Bhatti moved onto Tennent’s Premiership side Stirling County, where he progressed through the Bridgehaugh club’s age-grade set-up.

Bhatti – who is a graduate of the Fosroc Scottish Rugby Academy – represented Scotland at under-17, under-18, under-19 and under-20 levels, and lifted the Scottish Cup after joining Melrose ahead of the 2016/17 season.

The international prop made his Warriors debut in a pre-season friendly against Canada A in 2016 and made his competitive debut against Scarlets in the same campaign.

Bhatti received his first call-up to the national team ahead of the 2017 Autumn Tests, coming off the bench in all three games against Samoa, New Zealand and Australia.

His Six Nations debut came in 2018, with the loosehead prop coming off the bench in all five matches as Scotland recorded a third-place finish.