Phil Burleigh extends deal with Edinburgh Rugby

Phil Burleigh has made 32 starts for Edinburgh

Although not specifically signed as a so-called “project player” the New Zealand-born 29-year-old will become eligibile to play for Scotland on the residency rules next year. Burleigh, who can also play centre, arrived in Edinburgh in the summer of 2014 and has gone on to make 36 appearances for the club – 32 of them starts.

He said: “I’m loving my time here. The club’s heading in the right direction under Solly [Alan Solomons] and the other coaches so I see a good future for Edinburgh Rugby and I want to be part of it.”

Formerly with the Dunedin-based Highlanders, Burleigh made his debut off the bench in the opening Guinness PRO12 win over Munster in September.

Injury kept him out of much of the 2014-15 season but he returned to feature in Edinburgh’s run to the European Challenge Cup final.

He added: “I think we are building nicely towards our targets in the league this year and the next couple of seasons I see us challenging for more finals.

“The highlight of being at the club, generally, though has been getting to know the boys here – they’re a great group and I really enjoy working with them.”

Edinburgh coach Alan Solomons said: “It is fantastic news for the club that Burls [Phil Burleigh] has decided to extend his contract.

“He’s not only a great bloke and good team man but an outstanding and astute footballer.

“He has made a huge contribution to the development of the team since his arrival in Edinburgh.

“I am really looking forward to us continuing to work together as we strive to build on what has been achieved to date.”