Rugby: Blackadder completes Scotland move

Former New Zealand captain Todd Blackadder has completed his surprise move to Scotland - and admitted he is impatiently awaiting his first appearance in the colours of Edinburgh Rugby.

Blackadder reported for duty in the Scottish capital after ending his playing days in New Zealand on a high by leading Canterbury to victory in the National Provincial Championship.

The lock forward, who also inspired the Crusaders to a string of Super 12 triumphs, insisted he was effectively starting from square one with Edinburgh and that his past glories in New Zealand would count for little.

‘‘I have to earn the respect of everyone over here, from my team-mates, the coaches and the supporters,’’ he said.

‘‘I do not expect to go straight into the starting line-up on the strength of what I have achieved in New Zealand and I am prepared to work as hard as is necessary to prove that I am worth a place.

‘‘I will need a bit of time to fit in to a new team and a new culture.

‘‘Playing for Edinburgh and living in the city will be a fresh and big challenge for me, but one that I am relishing.’’