Former New Zealand captain Todd Blackadder is the latest Kiwi measuring himself up for a kilt.

We're not sure about his ancestral claims, but one wonders if joining Edinburgh will eventually entitle him one day to turn out for Scotland in the Six Nations.

Blackadder has completed his surprise move to Scotland - and admitted he is impatiently awaiting his first appearance in the colours of Edinburgh Rugby.

He reported for duty in the Scottish capital after ending his playing days in New Zealand on a high by leading Canterbury to victory in the National Provincial Championship.

The lock forward, who also inspired the Crusaders to a string of Super 12 triumphs, insisted he was effectively starting from square one with Edinburgh - and that his past glories in New Zealand would count for little.

"I have to earn the respect of everyone over here, from my team-mates, the coaches and the supporters," he said.

Numbered among his teammates will of course be New Zealan's Brendan Laney who turned out for Scotland on Saturday despite not even having played for his new clib.

Blackadder added: "I do not expect to go straight into the starting line-up on the strength of what I have achieved in New Zealand and I am prepared to work as hard as is necessary to prove that I am worth a place.

"I will need a bit of time to fit in to a new team and a new culture. Playing for Edinburgh and living in the city will be a fresh and big challenge for me, but one that I am relishing."

Blackadder rejected several other big-money offers in favour of the Gunners, who are looking to him to aid their recovery from a poor start to the season.

He said: "I had the option of staying in New Zealand, heading for Japan or joining one of two English clubs. I chose Edinburgh because they offered the type of challenges I was seeking - along with the fact that it is an ideal environment in which to settle my wife and children."

Blackadder is expected to make his debut in the Welsh-Scottish League meeting with Bridgend at Myreside a week on Friday.