Edinburgh sign ‘highly rated’ Leicester Tigers prop James Whitcombe

Edinburgh have confirmed the signing of Scottish-qualified loosehead prop James Whitcombe from Leicester Tigers on a three-year contract.

The 24-year-old qualifies for Scotland through his Falkirk-born grandmother and joins the Scottish capital side this summer as the club continues to strengthen its front-row depth.

Whitcombe has made 16 appearances for Leicester Tigers this season, including five starts, and featured off the bench in recent Premiership wins over Northampton Saints and Bristol Bears.

“I’m really looking forward to the move up north,” said Whitcombe. “It’s a fresh opportunity for me – a chance to challenge myself in a new environment, both on and off the pitch. Edinburgh’s a great city, and I’m excited to get stuck in and be part of the club.

“The chance to test myself in a new league, against different styles of rugby and international opposition, was a big draw. The URC is an exciting competition and I felt that Edinburgh was the right place for me to continue developing and push myself further.

“I want to help the club win trophies. That’s the goal. I want to contribute to a successful team and be part of something special in the Scottish capital.”

Whitcombe began his rugby career at Skipton RFC aged five and also played rugby league for Keighley Albion before focusing on rugby union at Bradford & Bingley RFC and Woodhouse Grove School. He represented England at U16, U18 (on their 2018 summer tour of South Africa), and U19 levels.

Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt said: “Securing a player of James’ quality on a long-term deal is a strong addition for the club. He is a young prop who has come through a well-regarded development system at Leicester and has gained valuable experience in the Premiership.

“At just 24, James has already demonstrated his ability at a high level. We believe he has the potential to become a key contributor for Edinburgh Rugby. His strength in the set-piece and mobility around the field will add to our front-row options.”

He joined the Leicester Tigers academy at 13 and featured in their U18 side that secured back-to-back league titles. After school, he spent a season with Sydney University Colts in the Shute Shield before joining Leicester’s development squad in 2019. That same season, he was loaned to Leicester Lions in National League 2 South, where he was named Young Player of the Season.

Whitcombe made his senior debut for Leicester in December 2020 and his Premiership debut in February 2021. He is the son of Martin Whitcombe, grandson of Frank Whitcombe Jr, and great-grandson of former rugby league players Frank Whitcombe and Thomas Cockcroft.