RaboDirect PRO12
Edinburgh recruit Waratahs pair
ESPN Staff
August 8, 2013
Grayson Hart has signed for Edinburgh © Getty Images
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Edinburgh have bolstered their resources ahead of next season with the recruitment of Ollie Atkins and Grayson Hart from the Waratahs.

Second-row Atkins and scrum-half Hart are both Scottish-qualified and are the first two signings under new boss Alan Solomons. Atkins, who played rugby in Edinburgh during his gap year, faced the British & Irish Lions for the Waratahs and qualifies for Scotland through his father.

"I'm really excited to be back in Edinburgh and even more excited to get the boots on and get out there and start playing some footie," Atkins said. "The opportunity to play against some of the top teams in Europe will be a fantastic challenge.

"I loved the city and people when I was here six years ago so, when I got the chance to return in a professional sporting environment, I just jumped at it and couldn't wait to get over here."

New Zealand-born Hart is Scottish-qualified through his grandmother and has also played for the Blues in the past. Hart said: "It's a big goal of mine to put in some consistently solid performances into the RaboDirect PRO12 and Heineken Cup, they're very exciting competitions at a high level which I'd put right alongside Super Rugby.

"It's going to be a massive challenge. There are some very talented guys in my position so I'm definitely looking forward to what lays ahead."

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