Worcester's Mike Penn signs deal to join Edinburgh

Image caption, Edinburgh head coach Michael Bradley is pleased to have signed Penn

Edinburgh have signed Mike Penn from Worcester Warriors.

The 22-year-old, who can play at full-back or on the wing, has agreed a one-year contract with the Heineken Cup semi-finalists.

Edinburgh Rugby head coach Michael Bradley said: "Mike is a talented young player and is very excited about the opportunity to play for Edinburgh."

Penn will link up again with defence coach Billy McGinty, who spent six years at Worcester.

"He's an ambitious young man and arrives knowing that he has to work hard and have a big year to secure a longer-term deal," said Bradley.

"That kind of pressure can bring the best out of players, particularly when competition for places in our back three is increasingly fierce."

Penn signed for the Premiership side's academy at 16 before earning selection for the England under-18 team.

After going out on loan to Birmingham & Solihull, he returned to Warriors' A side, making four appearances for the senior squad, before taking up a second loan spell at Nottingham.

Penn said the set-up at Edinburgh had played a big part in his decision.

"My first thoughts when I arrived were centred around the training facilities and the quality of the coaching staff," he said.

"Edinburgh have been one of Europe's top sides this season, so I'm really looking forward to getting in there, working hard as part of a quality squad and proving myself.

"The type of rugby they play really suits me - that's my type of game.

"I like to play the ball and avoid contact using my pace. I can't wait to show it on the big pitch at Murrayfield."