Ashman joins Edinburgh on short-term loan
Edinburgh have today secured the signing of Scotland U20 hooker Ewan Ashman on a short-term loan from Sale Sharks.
Ashman, 19 – who has earned 10 caps for the age-grade side – joins the capital club immediately as the squad this week began a four-day training camp in St Andrews.
The hooker was a key performer for Scotland U20 at the recent World Rugby U20 Championship in Argentina, scoring seven tries in five appearances to finish as the tournament’s top try-scorer.
Ashman said: “I’m really happy to have joined such a great club on loan and I can’t wait to get stuck into pre-season.
“It’s a really big opportunity for me and I hope to learn as much as possible from Richard Cockerill and the team during my time here.”
Head Coach Richard Cockerill, added: “We’re really happy to have brought Ewan in on a short-term loan. He offers great cover at a key position and his skillset brings a different dynamic to our front-row.
“Having watched Ewan perform at the Junior World Cup, it’s clear that he’s a talented player with a real ability in and around the try-line. We hope that he can contribute from the get-go.”
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Ashman qualifies for Scotland through his Edinburgh-born father.
Having come through the ranks at Cheshire’s Sandbach RUFC, the 19-year-old – who played both centre and back-row prior to switching to hooker – represented Scotland at both U16 and U17 levels in the early stages of his career.
That exposure on the international stage saw Ashman join Premiership side Sale Sharks, who signed the hooker to an academy contract.
Ashman made his Scotland U20 debut from the bench against Italy in February’s 2019 U20 Six Nations opener and has since made 10 appearances for the age-grade outfit.