Nick Haining is the latest internationalist to re-commit to Edinburgh, having signed a contract extension with the club for an undisclosed length of time.

The 30-year-old Australian-born back-row joined the capital outfit from Bristol Bears during the summer of 2019 and has played 19 matches for Richard Cockerill’s side so far.

He qualifies for Scotland through his Dundonian grandmother, and his form during his first six months at the club earned him a call-up to Gregor Townsend’s 2020 Six Nations squad. He has now been capped five times, and although injury has limited his game-time this season, he says he is now determined to fight his way back up the back-row pecking order for both club and country.

“Moving to Edinburgh was always going to be challenging in terms of getting a spot in the team with so many talented individuals in the back-row,” said Haining. “It’s really pushed me and helped me continually develop my game and constantly improve.​

“It’s fiercely competitive and that level of competition really keeps you on your toes. Having that competitive edge in training is hugely beneficial and helps us put our best performance out on the pitch.”

“I’m really looking forward to being rid of these little niggles and to getting back to playing my natural game with no hinderance, string together a good run of games for Edinburgh, and just enjoy playing.”