Richard Cockerill has chosen his first Edinburgh captain and he's a beast

Richard Cockerill has named his first Edinburgh captain and he’s gone for 6’4. 113kg backrow powerhouse.

Magnus Bradbury, 22, will captain the side for the 2017/18 season.

The Scotland back-row led his side out for the first time in Friday’s pre-season victory over Newcastle Falcons at the home of Melrose, The Greenyards.

On being named captain, Bradbury told Edinburgh Rugby: “I’m over the moon with the news. However, it doesn’t really change much for myself.

“I just want to keep my head down, keep doing what I’m doing, and keep working hard with the boys, and hopefully we’ll get the results when the season starts this week.

“Cockers [Head Coach Richard Cockerill] has always said to me to lead by example and I would say I’m more that sort of guy. I would rather say something then do it, rather than ask other boys to do it. I’m definitely about actions more than words.”

A product of Oban High School, Merchiston Castle School and the national age-grade system, Bradbury joined the club on an Academy contract in 2014.

He made his senior debut in October that year when he was named in the starting XV to face Leinster at the RDS Arena, and scored his first try in the home European Challenge Cup victory over Agen.

After winning Scotland representative and sevens honours, Bradbury made his full Scotland debut in the 2016 November Test victory over Argentina at BT Murrayfield.

The back-row committed to Edinburgh on a three-year deal ahead of the 2017/18 season.

Cockerill added: “Part of this is about developing leadership around a young man who has committed to the club, and building for the future.

“There will be other leaders alongside him – nines, 10s, 12s and lineout callers – but Magnus leads the team on to the field.

“The senior group all agreed that this was a good choice, that Magnus will be a good leader, and that it’s the best thing for the club moving forward.

“I thought Magnus was the right person within the group and the group’s dynamic.”