Edinburgh land Sharks hooker Dylan Richardson

South African-born Scotland international Dylan Richardson will swap one URC club for another this summer after agreeing to join Edinburgh from the Sharks.

Edinburgh have confirmed the news broken first in RugbyPass’ Fissler Confidential column that Richardson has penned a two-year contract, subject to a medical, as a replacement for Dave Cherry, who appears to be set to leave the Scottish capital club.

Richardson, 26, who can play at hooker and as a loose forward, brings a wealth of experience to the Edinburgh pack. He made his Sharks debut in 2019 and has earned six Scotland caps to date, scoring three tries on Scotland’s summer tour of the Americas and featuring in recent Autumn Nations Series fixtures against Fiji, South Africa and Australia.

Richardson was first capped off the bench against Japan in November 2021, coming on in the back row, but had to wait 959 days before making his second appearance in a dark blue jersey, this time at hooker. He qualifies for Scotland through his Edinburgh-born father, Neil.

With 35 appearances for the Sharks so far – including recent Champions Cup outings against Exeter Chiefs, Leicester Tigers, Toulouse and Bordeaux – Richardson has been a key player for the Durban outfit, helping the South African side lift the EPCR Challenge Cup last season.

On joining Edinburgh, Richardson said: “I’m incredibly excited for this next chapter in my career. Moving to Scotland and joining a club with such a strong history and passionate support base is a massive opportunity.

“I’m looking forward to embracing the new environment, challenging myself both on and off the field, and contributing to the continued success of Edinburgh Rugby.”

Head Coach Sean Everitt’s influence was instrumental in Richardson’s decision to join Edinburgh, with the Head Coach having guided the South African-born forward through his formative years at Kings Park Stadium

“Coach Sean has played a significant role in my development as a player, and having the chance to work under his leadership again is something I’m really looking forward to,” continued Richardson. “His belief in my abilities and his vision for the team made the decision to join Edinburgh an easy one.

“I have a lot of respect for him as a coach and as a person, and I’m excited to be part of what he’s building at the club.”

Richardson’s arrival further strengthens an Edinburgh Rugby pack already bolstered by the contract extensions of key players like Pierre Schoeman and Grant Gilchrist, alongside the continued development of promising talents such as Ben Muncaster and Freddy Douglas, both of whom agreed to new deals earlier this season.

Richardson continued: “Although I haven’t faced them on the pitch, I’ve been in the same league as Edinburgh and watched them extensively. It’s a real privilege to now be part of such a proud club and city.

“I’m looking forward to connecting with the fans, embracing the team culture, and giving everything I have to help drive the club forward.”

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Sean Everitt added: “We’re thrilled to welcome a player of Dylan’s quality to Edinburgh Rugby. He’s a strong and dynamic player who brings plenty of experience from his time with the Sharks and his international appearances for Scotland. His versatility, being able to play both hooker and in the back row, will be a real asset for us

“Having worked with Dylan previously, I’m very familiar with his game and I know he will be a good fit culturally. He fits the profile of the squad we’re trying to build here at Edinburgh, and we’re excited to welcome him to the club this summer.”