Edinburgh retain 'one of the most important players in our squad'

Edinburgh have continued a busy week of business by tying down Scotland second-row Marshall Sykes for another two seasons at the club.

The 26-year-old has extended his Edinburgh deal until 2028 as he approaches 100 appearances for the club.

The English-born forward moved to the Scottish capital in 2020 from the Glasgow Warriors academy, and has since gone on to make eight appearances for Scotland.

Edinburgh boss Sean Everitt has backed his 121kg lock to add more caps to his name in the coming seasons, saying he is “entering his prime”.

After signing the new deal, Sykes said: “Signing this deal was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever had to make. Edinburgh is home, simple as that.

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United Rugby Championship

Edinburgh

11:45

17 Apr 26

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“My wife and I are so settled here, so happy in this city, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else. This club means everything to me and I want to be the kind of player that Edinburgh fans look back on and say, ‘He was always here, he always put his body on the line for us.’

“I’ve been here in the good times and I’ve been here in the harder times, and if anything that’s made me more determined than ever to help turn things around. Playing under Sean [Everitt] has been great – his ambition for this club is clear and I’m excited about the direction he’s taking us as a squad.

“I want to repay the faith the club has shown in me and I genuinely believe the best is still ahead of us.”

Everitt added: “Marshall is one of the most important players in our squad and, honestly, one of the most underrated. Week in, week out, he puts in the kind of shift that wins matches – the tackles, the ruck hits, the set-piece contribution – and he does it with a consistency that is incredibly hard to find.

“At 26 he is just entering his prime as a lock forward, and by committing to Edinburgh for another two years he is putting himself in a real position to push for the international recognition his performances deserve.

“He gives everything every time he pulls on that jersey, and we are absolutely delighted to have him tied down for another two years.”