Edinburgh agree deal to sign Ross Ford

Former Borders number two Ford has won 16 caps for Scotland and moves to Murrayfield after experiencing a productive World Cup, during which he scored his first try for his country.

Robinson welcomed the 23-year-old's arrival at the club and claims it will enhance the level of competition for places within the club's front row.

Robinson said: "I am really pleased to have an international class hooker joining the squad. Ross is a very talented player with huge potential and I look forward to working with him.

"We are always looking to strengthen our playing staff and his arrival will provide good competition for the other hookers we have in our squad, Andrew Kelly and Steven Lawrie."

Ford admits he is excited by the switch and revealed the decisive factor which helped him make up his mind; the prospect of working with Robinson.

Ford said: "The prospect of working with Andy was a key factor in making me decide Edinburgh was the right place for me.

"He has got great knowledge of the modern game and his experience will be a great help to everybody in the squad.

"It is a new start for me. Edinburgh have got a really good squad, so I'm confident we can do something exceptional this season."

The in-form front rower, who could make his Edinburgh debut in next Friday's (26 October) Magners League match at Connacht, also revealed he was aiming to make an impact against Toulouse in the Heineken Cup next month (10 November).

He added: "The Heineken Cup is a great competition with some of the best club players in the world, so I'm really excited about getting stuck into that.

"We could have an all-international front row for the game against Toulouse, so having that experience will stand us in good stead.

"Hopefully then we can put them under pressure rather than just hold our own."

At present, Ford is currently away on an overseas break but will join up with the Edinburgh squad alongside the rest of the club's international contingent on Monday (22 October) and will be available for interview next week.