Two more breakthrough Edinburgh talents sign first professional contracts

Back rower Ollie Duncan and lock Euan McVie becomes the latest breakthrough players to agree terms. They follow on from fellow youngsters Jack Brown, Hector Patterson and brothers Ollie and Jerry Blyth-Lafferty.

McVie, 21, made his professional debut in January, coming on in the Champions Cup victory over Gloucester at Hive Stadium. He then featured in the clash with Bath as Edinburgh sealed their place in the last 16.

The lock, whose father Malcolm McVie played for Edinburgh District and Edinburgh Accies in the early 1990s, said: "It's an unbelievable feeling. To step up to a pro deal with your hometown club is something I've worked towards for a long time, and I'm incredibly proud to have got here. It's been brilliant to see so many of the other young guys step up to pro deals and get real game time this season – that gives you massive confidence that the pathway is there if you put the work in.”

Duncan,20, is comfortable at blindside flanker or number 8 is product of Edinburgh Academy. The dynamic forward has spent much of this season developing his craft with GB Sevens and London Scottish, and is eager to earn his first capital appearance.

The former Edinburgh under 18s captain said “This club means everything to me, and I can’t wait to get stuck into things in the senior squad next season. It has been a good year for my development – I’ve enjoyed playing on the Sevens circuit, and senior men’s rugby in the English Championship for the first time. My immediate goal is to make my Edinburgh debut, and try to make my mark for the club I grew up supporting.”

On the deals for both, Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt added: “Euan is a player we're really excited about. He has all the physical attributes to make his mark at this level. Ollie is an exciting player, who carries well and is confrontational in defence. He’s not afraid to get stuck into things, and that fight is something that we value greatly at Edinburgh.”

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