Edinburgh sign Georgian star

Edinburgh's physical dimension will be boosted with the signing of Georgia No.8 Dimitri Basilaia from Valence d'Agen.

An international ever-present since 2008, Basilaia played a significant role in the much-praised physicality which underpinned Georgia's World Cup in 2011.

He started all of the nation's World Cup matches against Romania, Scotland and England – scoring his second international try against the men in white with a trademark surge from the base of the scrum.

Subject to a working visa, the 23-time capped 26-year-old will join the club at the start of the next season and will form a key part of an increasingly powerful forward unit being forged at the club, which will also welcome Cheetahs' tighthead prop WP Nel.

Basilaia said: "First of all I'd like to congratulate Edinburgh for their impressive victory over Toulouse in Heineken Cup.

"It's a great honour and opportunity for me to join such a high profile club and I'm really looking forward to being part of a very exciting future and playing alongside some very talented players.

"The arrival of a new player always heightens supporters' enthusiasm and anticipation and I will not spare any efforts to meet those expectations from the moment I arrive in the capital.

"I'm in great shape, both physically and spiritually, and can't wait to pull on the black and red shirt of Edinburgh."

Head coach Michael Bradley first spotted the talents of the destructive ball carrier when he served as a technical coach alongside former Scotland and current Georgia head coach Richie Dixon in the build-up to the nation's World Cup.

Bradley was delighted to confirm the signing believing that Basilaia has the ability to join the likes Jaba Bregvadze, Akvsenti Giorgadze [Toulouse] and Davit Zirakashvili [Clermont Auvergne] as the latest Georgian export to make a big impact on the European stage.

He said: "I believe that Dimitri [Basilaia] will prove to be a very significant signing for Edinburgh.

"He's a fantastic fit for this club and will contribute a huge amount to an increasingly aggressive and combative forward unit at Edinburgh, while his ball handling skills are such that we can maintain and strengthen our fast-paced, offloading game.

"Dima has a tremendous work ethic and attitude to the sport. He's very excited about joining the club and I know he'll give everything to honour the black and red jersey."