Four Scotland internationals named on list of 13 Edinburgh leavers

Edinburgh have confirmed the 13 players leaving at the end of the 2022/23 season, a list that includes four Scotland internationals – Damien Hoyland, Jaco van der Walt, Henry Pyrgos and Nick Haining – along with the Bulls-bound Henry Immelman.

The Friday afternoon statement, which arrived the day after Ewan Ashman was confirmed as a new season signing from Sale, read: “Edinburgh Ruby today confirmed its leavers for the 2022/23 season as 13 senior players depart the club at the end of the current campaign.

“Damien Hoyland (wing), Jaco van der Walt (stand-off), Henry Pyrgos (scrum-half), Nick Haining (back-row), Jack Blain (wing) and Cammy Hutchison (centre) all move on, joining Henry Immelman (full-back) whose move to the Vodacom Bulls was confirmed earlier this season.

“They are joined by Lee-Roy Atalifo (prop), Pierce Phillips (lock), Harrison Courtney (prop), Jamie Jack (prop), Nick Auterac (prop) and Bruce Houston (stand-off), all of whom will leave the club at the end of the season.

“Elsewhere, four players depart the Edinburgh Rugby academy as Dan Gamble (prop), Rudi Brown (back-row), Matt Russell (stand-off) and Ben Evans (wing) all move on. This group of academy players are being actively supported by Edinburgh Rugby to find new clubs, with playing opportunities progressing but not yet finalised.”

Head coach Mike Blair explained: “This is never an easy time of the season. Every player has given their all to the jersey and we can’t thank them enough for their commitment and attitude when representing this club. Damien is a club centurion; a player who epitomises what it means to play for Edinburgh, while the likes of Jaco and Henry (Pyrgos) have both given so much to the club during their time in the capital.

“Those guys are just to name a few. Every player departing has worn the jersey with pride and that’s all we can ever ask. It’s been an absolute pleasure coaching them. Every player moving on has created their own piece of unique history with Edinburgh Rugby. We wish them all the best in their next endeavour.”