Scotland international returns to club for THIRD time after learning ‘tremendous amount’ in Premiership

Edinburgh Rugby have announced that they have signed experienced Scotland international centre Matt Scott on a one-year contract.

Scott is no stranger to Edinburgh as he started his professional career at the club in 2011 and made 70 appearances for them before joining Gloucester in 2016.

The 33-year-old had a two-year stint with the Cherry and Whites but returned to the Scottish-capital outfit in 2018 before joining another Premiership club, Leicester Tigers, ahead of the 2020/21 season.

Premiership winner with Leicester Tigers

During his four-year stint with the Tigers, Scott made 80 appearances, scoring 15 tries, and helped the Midlands club to a 15-12 victory over Saracens in the 2022 Premiership final at Twickenham.

“I feel very excited to be given the opportunity to return to Edinburgh for a third time. It will be great to lace up the boots again with some old friends as well as some new ones,” he said.

“I haven’t had the chance to play at Hive Stadium yet but, from watching it on TV, it looks like a brilliant place to play rugby. I hope to offer plenty of value to the squad having been in a Premiership winning team at Leicester, full of World Cup winners and seasoned internationals.

“I’ve learned a tremendous amount from being in that winning environment and I’m excited to add some of that to our talented squad at Edinburgh.

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“The city is home for me and, having recently moved back up with my family, the opportunity to play out my final matches as a professional in my hometown is very special and I feel grateful to have been given the opportunity to do so.”

Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt is looking forward to working with Scott, who made 40 Test appearances for Scotland between 2012 and 2021, and is capable of playing at outside and inside centre.

“We’re delighted to bring a player of Matt’s talent, calibre and experience back to the club,” he said. “He’s a league winner and Test match animal capable of playing in both centre positions, giving us great options and variety in our game for the season ahead.

‘Fantastic role model’

“Matt’s leadership qualities are exceptional. His ability to guide and mentor our young centres is a key factor in bringing him back to the club. We believe he will be a fantastic role model for our next generation of talent.

“He’s an Edinburgh boy who cares greatly about the club and, from what I hear, is a popular player among the squad and supporters alike, which is testimony to both his ability and character.

“His experience will be invaluable to our group. He’s a great addition to our squad.”

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