Phil Burleigh
Edinburgh’s backline resources for the new season were boosted with the signing of Highlanders utility back Phil Burleigh.
Burleigh signed a two-year deal with the Scottish outfit.
The 27-year-old playmaker came through the ranks with Bay of Plenty, before becoming a regular star in the Southern Hemisphere’s top flight Super Rugby competition.
rugby365
He made his breakthrough with the Chiefs in 2010 and continued his rise in earnest with a 2012 move to the Dunedin-based franchise, where he has been a consistent performer, making 32 Super Rugby appearances.
Coach Alan Solomons described his emineant arrival as “excellent news” for Edinburgh.
“Phil Burleigh is an experienced Super Rugby back,” Solomons said.
“He is a very good player and comes very highly rated and regarded. He is a strong, physical, and intelligent player and that will be a big help to us.”
“We’ve signed him primarily as a flyhalf, but he is also comfortable at No.12 and No.13, which is important, both in terms of intensifying squad competition and facilitating future rotation.”
Burleigh will arrive at the conclusion of the 2014 Super Rugby season, the exact date dependant on whether the Highlanders make the play-offs.
“I’m really excited about the new challenge at a proud franchise with growing ambition,” Burleigh said.
“I’ve spoken to Alan Solomons [head coach] who talked me through his vision and the squad for next season and it sounds like he’s building a good future for the franchise, moving towards competing further up the table and getting back into the European Rugby Champions Cup.”
“I’m really looking forward to being part of that challenge and building for future success.”