Magners League Official Website : Blackadder commits for another year

Blackadder is set to stay at Edinburgh for another year

Blackadder commits for another year

15 April 2005, 1:34 pm

By Graham Jenkins

Edinburgh Rugby have announced that captain Todd Blackadder is to stay for a further year.

Todd has been with the club for the last four seasons and has been supremely influential in the development of the team with his knowledge of the game and fantastic work ethic.

Head coach Frank Hadden said: "Signing Todd in November 2001 was a tremendous coup not just for Edinburgh Rugby but the whole of Scottish Rugby. That was the case again last season and continues to be the case today. His contribution both on and off the field has been invaluable and everybody involved with the club will I am sure be delighted with this announcement. It is a huge endorsement of what we are trying to do that he is also happy to stay in Edinburgh for another season."

Todd Blackadder said: "Firstly I would like to thank the SRU for the opportunity to stay on here in Edinburgh. I am absolutely delighted to be playing on for another season. I really feel like the team can achieve something for next season or else I would not have stayed. With all the new signings and existing players I think it will be a good season. As Captain I enjoy working with Frank, Carl Hogg and the players and am looking forward to that continuing. I want to be a part of what will be a successful season. Our crowds are on the increase again, and that is another factor as to why I want to stay."

TODD BLACKADDER PROFILE:
TODD BLACKADDER (Edinburgh Rugby) Lock/Flanker. Born: 20 Sep 1971 in Rangiora, New Zealand. Height: 6ft 3in. Weight: 17st 6lb. Todd Julian Blackadder joined Edinburgh at the end of November 2001 after having captained Canterbury to win a historic double in NZ by retaining the Ranfurly Shield and securing an NPC Cup Final win. He has played in 71 Super 12 games for the Crusaders and 136 games for Canterbury and made 12 test match appearances for New Zealand, captaining the side on 10 of his appearances. He also captained New Zealand A in 1999. He has played 75 games for Edinburgh Rugby.