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Edinburgh sign Ireland age-grade hooker McBurney as Willemse' departure confirmed
By Sam Smith
Edinburgh have signed 24-year-old Scottish-qualified Ulster hooker Adam McBurney, whose grandmother was from Cadder, Lanarkshire. His contract coincides with the confirmation that Mike Willemse will leave at the end of the season, having made 34 appearances since arriving in 2019
McBurney joined the Ulster academy set-up in 2016 and represented Ireland from U18 to U20. His progress led to a senior debut for Ulster in 2017 and his first senior contract with the Irish province a year later.
He has since gone on to make 35 appearances for the Guinness PRO14 side. “I’m extremely excited to sign for Edinburgh. It’s a great place and a club with very high standards,” said McBurney. “Over the last few seasons, the progress on the pitch has been extremely noticeable from the outside looking in, and it's something I’m looking forward to being involved with.
“I want to be part of a very successful Edinburgh squad, take every opportunity I'm given on the pitch, show what I’m about and how I can fit into the values and good work Edinburgh have already been doing.”
McBurney hopes to now take advantage of the experience of Edinburgh head coach Richard Cockerill, who earned 27 caps for England in the late 90s. “Richard Cockerill was a world-class player and is a world-class coach. I still have a lot of learning in me. I hope to benefit from his experiences to bring the best out of me as a hooker.
“I've been in the same rugby environment since I was a kid and hope this change will challenge my ability to adapt, along with picking the brains of new coaches and players to develop my skills. I’d like to thank to Ulster for everything they have done to help me progress to where I’m at today.”
Cockerill added: “We’re pleased to announce Adam will be joining our squad next season. He’s a tough and dynamic competitor with a lot of scope for development. He is a good fit for us and – with Mike leaving – slots well into our stable of hookers at the club.
“He will bring a lot of energy, a bit of edge and is a hard worker. We’re looking forward to linking up with him and seeing how he can progress.”
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Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
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