Edinburgh capture Hickey signature

Editor

Edinburgh have secured the signing of former Blues playmaker Simon Hickey from Bordeaux Bègles on a two-year deal.

The 23-year-old will join the club at the end of the season.

“I’m really excited about the prospect of playing for the club, especially as they’re looking to play an exciting brand of rugby which will suit my style of play. Edinburgh is a team on the rise, and I have no doubt that they’re headed in a successful direction under Richard Cockerill and the rest of the coaching staff,” he said.

“I look forward to linking up with my future team mates next season and settling into what is a wonderful city and hopefully I can play a part in the club’s future success.”

Hickey began his career at Auckland-based King’s College, a school that has produced several All Blacks legends including Ali Williams and Ian Kirkpatrick. He captained the college’s rugby and cricket 1st XV before quickly ascending into the senior rugby ranks, making his Auckland debut off the bench during the provincial side’s 59-16 win over Manawatu at Eden Park.

The New Zealander captained his country at U20 level during the 2014 Junior World Championship in his homeland, playing a pivotal role in the Baby Blacks’ trip to a third-place finish. During the tournament, the traditional powerhouse defeated a Scotland side featuring current Edinburgh team-mates Magnus Bradbury, Jamie Ritchie, Lewis Carmichael, Cameron Fenton and Damien Hoyland.

Hickey made his first appearance for the Blues in February 2014 and marked his debut for the three-time Super Rugby champions during a rousing 35-24 triumph over the Crusaders, contributing 15 points from the boot. Hickey went onto make 16 appearances for the Blues, scoring 124 points in the process, before announcing his decision to join Top 14 side Bordeaux-Begles in October 2015. He has since notched 235 points in 28 appearances for the Stade-Chabane Delmas outfit.

Edinburgh head coach Richard Cockerill said: “Simon is a creative young playmaker that already has a lot of experience playing in Super Rugby and the Top 14. We’re developing some real competition at 10 and I believe he will be a strong edition to an exciting Edinburgh backline.

“I’m delighted that having seen the culture and environment we’re building here at Edinburgh, he’s chosen to join the club for the next two years.”