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Edinburgh lock down Scotland rookie Marshall Sykes
By Ian Cameron
Edinburgh have confirmed that Marshall Sykes will be staying with the Scottish URC franchise until at least 2026.
At only 24 years old, Sykes has established himself as a key forward for Edinburgh, having participated in 19 matches across all competitions this season.
Since transferring from Glasgow Warriors in 2020, his robust defence, high work-rate and skills in disrupting opposition set-pieces have stuck out.
Sykes - who was educated at St Joseph's College in Ipswich - initially represented Scotland at the U18 level and debuted at the Scotland U20 during the 2018 Six Nations.
Despite an injury that sidelined him for the 2019 U20 Six Nations, performances with the Ayrshire Bulls led to his inclusion in the World Rugby U20 Championship in Argentina.
Sykes made his first start for Edinburgh in March 2021 and scored his first try for the club in June 2021. The 6'7, 121kg forward won his first cap for Scotland in an Autumn Nations Test against Tonga in October 2021 and celebrated his 50th Edinburgh appearance in December of the same year.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be extending my contract with Edinburgh," said Sykes. “The club and city have become a real home for me, and I’m excited to be a part of what’s to come in the next two years. There’s a real sense of togetherness here and I take a huge amount of pride every time I get to pull on the Edinburgh jersey.
“Sean [Everitt] has been brilliant since he came in and I’ve really enjoyed working with him so far this season. The boys are giving their all and you can see that in our performances. We’ll be leaving nothing out there with two huge games to come at this business end of the campaign.”
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be extending my contract with Edinburgh Rugby.
“The club and city have become a real home for me, and I’m excited to be a part of what’s to come in the next two years. There’s a real sense of togetherness here and I take a huge amount of pride every time I get to pull on the Edinburgh jersey.
“Sean [Everitt] has been brilliant since he came in and I’ve really enjoyed working with him so far this season. The boys are giving their all and you can see that in our performances. We’ll be leaving nothing out there with two huge games to come at this business end of the campaign.”
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Latest Comments
Does anyone know a way to loook at how many mins each player has played whilst on tour?
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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