Jim Thompson the latest to pledge future to Edinburgh

EDINBURGH full-back Jim Thompson has agreed a new two-year contract with the Murrayfield club.

• In the absence of Chris Paterson, Jim Thompson could enjoy an extended run in the team. Picture: SNS

The 25-year-old Scotland A international has scored two tries in 14 appearances for Edinburgh since following in the footsteps of uncle Alan Lawson and cousin Rory by signing for the club in 2008.

Thompson said: "I've lived in Edinburgh since I was six, so it is my home city and it is great two members of my family have played for the team as well.

"It is fantastic to keep that tradition going. I really want to be part of a successful Edinburgh team. Everyone in the team wants to win silverware, so I will try and do my best to help Edinburgh to achieve that this season and next year as well."

Thompson, who missed the start of the season with a knee injury, could be set for an extended run in the team after Chris Paterson was ruled out for at least eight weeks after injuring his kidney during Scotland's late defeat by Wales last month.

"What happened to Mossy (Paterson] in Wales was terrible," Thompson said. "Now I realise that I have to step up in order to get involved and when I am selected I need to do as well as I can in order to keep my place."

Head coach Rob Moffat is delighted Thompson has followed Paterson, Mike Blair, Allan Jacobsen, Greig Laidlaw and Steve Turnbull by extending his contract.

Moffat said: "Jim has shown in his last few games how much potential he has got. Now it is important that he realises that potential and it is up to him to get into the Edinburgh team and then play consistently well.

"It has been frustrating for him with the injury problems he had at the start of the season, but now he has a good chance to have a strong finish to the campaign."

Over at Glasgow, Bath have announced the signing of scrum-half Mark McMillan on a two-year contract. The 26-year-old will join the West Country outfit from Glasgow Warriors in the summer having found first-team opportunities limited since the Scottish club signed Chris Cusiter last summer. He follows Kelly Brown and Dan Parks, who depart to Saracens and Cardiff Blues respectively next season.

McMillan said: "I am delighted to be joining Bath Rugby. I have been watching Bath this season and they are playing an exciting brand of rugby with a great squad of players. I am really looking forward to becoming part of such a great club with a rich history and a bright future."

He added: "Leaving Glasgow was a very tough decision to make but one I felt I had to do for both rugby and personal reasons. I've had some great experiences in my two spells with Glasgow and I hope to leave with even greater memories by achieving a top four finish and a place in the play-offs. Glasgow has a growing support and the fans have been very good to me. I thank them for their support and also extend those thanks to the players, coaches and staff at the club."

Warriors head coach, Sean Lineen said: "Mark is a real pro and a very ambitious rugby player. I wish him all the best and know he will give his all for Glasgow for the rest of the season."

The former Scotland Under-21 captain began his career at Glasgow before moving on to Leeds. He joined London Wasps in 2006, and was part of the squad that won the Heineken Cup in 2007, before returning to Scotland in 2008.

Bath coach Steve Meehan is delighted by the signing. "Mark is a scrum-half who challenges opposition defences around the ruck and is always a threat with his darting runs," he said. "He is a physical player with a fine pass and accurate kicking game. We are all looking forward to him joining Bath Rugby and being able to see him play a style of game that suits his strengths."