RaboDirect PRO12
Edinburgh sign half-back Francis
ESPN Staff
November 20, 2012
Waikato's Piers Francis looks for a pass, Counties Manukau v Waikato, ITM Cup, Pukekohe, New Zealand, October 6, 2012
Piers Francis in action in the ITM Cup © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
Players/Officials: Piers Francis
Tournaments/Tours: ITM Cup | RaboDirect PRO12 | ITM Cup

Edinburgh have bolstered their half-back options with the signing of Waikato Chiefs stand-off Piers Francis on a two-year contract.

Francis, who was part of the Saracens academy, moved to New Zealand aged 18 and progressed through the ranks to play for Auckland in the ITM Cup and then Waikato last season. He is equally adept at both fly-half and inside centre and coach Michael Bradley is looking forward to working with the 22-year-old.

"We're very pleased to secure the services of Piers Francis, as his introduction will strengthen and increase the competiveness of our squad across a number of positions," Bradley said. "He's a very talented individual, who is quick, skilful, and has a fantastic eye for breaking the line. He's a very good fit for Edinburgh Rugby.

Francis added: "Coming from the UK, I was very excited by an approach from Edinburgh Rugby and it moved very quickly from there. It's a new challenge in two great competitions [RaboDirect PRO12 and Heineken Cup], where I can test myself and integrate some of the southern hemisphere ways in my game into a club that's packed with internationalists.

"I believe I have the skills and the attitude to enjoy success with Edinburgh Rugby and see this as another great opportunity for me to develop my game even further as part of a very professional set-up alongside great players and great coaches."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.