Edinburgh re-sign centre James Johnstone

Adam Kyriacou

Edinburgh have continued to strengthen their squad with a new contract for James Johnstone, who becomes the third player to re-sign this week.

Centre Johnstone, 29, has amassed 43 appearances for the capital side and is named in Edinburgh’s starting line-up against Wasps on Friday.

On re-signing with the club, Johnstone, said: “I have been extremely grateful for the chance to represent my home-town team for the past two seasons and I am delighted to today extend my contract with the club.

“We have a great squad of players here and I look forward to being part of it in the future as we strive to bring success to this city.”

Head coach Richard Cockerill, added: “Since joining from the Sevens programme, Jimmy has had a huge impact on the squad in the way he’s applied himself to improve his game.

“He’s another local man who’s committed himself to the future of the club and we all look forward to seeing him continue his development.”

A former Sevens star – who made over 40 appearances for Scotland in the World Rugby Sevens Series – Johnstone made his first appearance for the club from the bench in the 2015/16 season opening victory over Leinster at Meggetland.

Johnstone signed a full-time deal with the club in 2017/18 after impressing Cockerill in pre-season. The centre soon repaid that faith with a string of impressive performances at centre, including his first try for the club in the 24-19 1872 Cup win over Glasgow Warriors in December 2017.

The centre’s try-scoring form continued in 2018/19 as the capital side returned to the Champions Cup for the first time in five years.

Johnstone notched up memorable tries in both pool stage victories over Newcastle Falcons and Toulon, the latter a length of the field classic that helped secure the first-ever Scottish victory at Stade Mayol.