Magners League Official Website : Two new signings for Edinburgh

Matt Mustchin

Two new signings for Edinburgh

6 April 2005, 2:25 pm

By Jonathan McConnell

Edinburgh Rugby have announce that international stand-off Duncan Hodge is rejoining the club from Leeds Tykes on a two year contract in June while second row Matt Mustchin is switching from Ulster.

Hodge has been with the Tykes for two seasons having previously represented Edinburgh in all their professional guises. He is a familiar face at Murrayfield with 26 caps for Scotland.

Edinburgh Rugby head coach Frank Hadden said: "This is a great signing for us. After a season blighted by injury, Duncan is raring to go. The Edinburgh fans will undoubtedly enjoy seeing one of the best strikers of a rugby ball back in our colours.

"His experience in the midfield will be invaluable to us and I believe the presence of both Duncan and Phil Godman in our squad gives us great balance and completely different options in attack."

Duncan Hodge said: "I have missed most of the season. I got injured in the first league game against Gloucester and I've been out for six months through injury. That said I am really looking forward to playing plenty of games for Edinburgh. I enjoyed being down in Leeds but it's great to be coming home and I can't wait to play in front of the Gunners supporters again."

Meanwhile second row forward Matt Mustchin joins from Ulster on a two year deal. Matt joined Ulster Rugby in 2003 and has represented New Zealand at U16 and U19 level and was contracted with the Canterbury Crusaders Super 12 side in 2002.

Matt Mustchin said: "I am looking forward to coming over and playing for Edinburgh. It is going to be a real challenge for me. I feel it is a good time to be moving on and looking forward to working with Frank and the team."
Frank Hadden, head coach, said: "We are delighted to have someone of Matt's experience. He will replace the considerable gap left by Nathan Hines. I have long admired his approach to the game and am confident that he will be a more than useful edition to our squad."
Todd Blackadder, captain, said:"It is great that Matt has come on board. He will bring a lot of different qualities to our forward pack. He is an aggressive player with a good work rate and good attitude. He will do well here."