Edinburgh land former New Zealand under 20 playmaker

Edinburgh have today announced the signing of former Auckland Blues fly-half Simon Hickey on a two-year deal. The 23-year-old who currently lines out for Bordeaux Bègles will join the Scottish club at the end of the season.

Hickey who picked up 124 points in 16 appearances for the Blues from 2014-2015, also captained his native New Zealand Baby Blacks, during the 2014 Junior World Championship.

On the announcement of the signing Hickey said, “After meeting with Richard Cockerill, and seeing the club’s recent results, I had no hesitation about joining Edinburgh.”

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

“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.”

Since leaving the Blues and joining Bordeaux in October of 2015 he has made 28 appearances notching up an impressive 235 points for the Stade-Chabane Delmas outfit.

Speaking about the signing, Edinburgh head coach Richard Cockerill said of the young stand-off, “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 addition 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.”

Edinburgh also announced that 25-year-old prop Elliot Millar-Mills has joined the club from Yorkshire Carnegie to provide cover at tight-head for the remainder of the season.

The 5ft 10in, 121kg prop, who is also Scottish eligible through his mother, flew out to South Africa with the squad as they prepare to take on the Cheetahs in their Guinness PRO14 fixture on Friday evening.

Speaking about joining the club he said, ” I’m really excited to join at such a crucial time for the club – there are some really big games over the coming weeks. I’m learning a lot from Richard Cockerill, Roddy Grant and the other players”