Samson delighted to have cut a deal with Edinburgh

Edinburgh-born Samson, 21, combined studying for a history degree at Newcastle University while playing for the Falcons' Academy side.

But the former Scotland under-20 internationalist is set to graduate in the summer and has been rewarded with a contract at Edinburgh where he says he is looking forward to continue learning from Robinson.

Samson said: "It was brilliant when Edinburgh appointed him as head coach and all the guys I've spoken to have said that Andy has been incredible to work with.

"They all said they've learned a massive amount from him and hopefully I will learn a huge amount as well.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be able to come back home and sign for Edinburgh. I went down to University in Newcastle and luckily got signed up by the Falcons, but the plan I suppose was always to come back when the opportunity came about.

"Luckily enough I spoke to Rob Moffat (Edinburgh assistant coach) and he indicated that there may be a space available next season. So I then played in a back-up game against Leinster and the ball rolled on from there.

"It seems like an exciting place to be. I know guys like Ross Rennie really well. The fact so many young Scottish guys are being brought in is encouraging and I think the team has real potential."

A former student at Stewart's Melville College, Samson is poised to follow in the footsteps of Andrew Kelly, Matt Dey and Steve Lawrie by swapping the red and black school colours for the Black and Red of professional rugby.

He added: "There are plenty of us there, but there hasn't been a Stew Mel boy coming through for a few years, so I suppose it is a case of keeping the tradition going."

As a scrum half, Samson acknowledges starting opportunities could be scarce because he will be in direct competition with Mike Blair, but he says he is looking forward to learning at the shoulder of the Scotland captain.

He said: "Mike was a massive part of me wanting to move to Edinburgh. I think if I shadow him for a few months then I will definitely learn a lot of stuff.

"Rob (Moffat) has said I will be given a fair crack of the whip when it comes to first team opportunities. I'm looking forward to showing the coaching staff and players what I can do."

Samson's next big match will be for the Barbarians against Bedford next Tuesday (7 April) - 12 months after he helped the celebrated team defeat Edinburgh Academicals 43-0 at Raeburn Place - and he admits he is excited by the challenge.

He said: "It is pretty exciting; I played for them last year against Edinburgh Accies and I must've done alright.

"So I'm glad to be back for the game against Bedford. They've told me I'll be starting at nine and I'll get to play alongside international players like Andy Henderson and Hal Luscombe."