Scott Steele seals a move taking him from the Premiership to URC

Scott Steele is excited about getting his first crack at playing professional rugby in Scotland after the Harlequins scrum-half agreed to join Edinburgh for next season. The Dumfries-born 29-year-old has spent his entire senior career to date in England with Leicester, London Irish and Quins.

But Steele, who has won four Scotland caps and went to school in Edinburgh, will return to his homeland for next term after agreeing to a one-year deal at the DAM Health Stadium.

“I’m extremely excited about the opportunity to move to Edinburgh,” he told the Edinburgh website. “Coming back home to Scotland after 12 years playing down in England is something I’ve always wanted to do.

“Moving to Edinburgh will hopefully be an easy transition for me as I know a lot of the current squad through my time in the Scotland set-up, and also having spent time in the city during my last year of school.

“I’m buzzing to play in the United Rugby Championship. Speaking to mates that play in the league, they absolutely love it.

“Getting to play against different teams from different countries will be new to me and something I’m looking forward to. I’ve been lucky enough to play against a few South African teams in the Heineken Champions Cup and really enjoyed it.”

Head coach Mike Blair believes Steele will slot perfectly into the Edinburgh squad. “He is a player that brings great experience, while he’ll also be a great fit culturally, given his links to the current squad and experience of rugby in the city,” he said.

“Scott’s addition brings further quality to our half-back group. He is an excellent defender and will help bring energy and tempo to the attack.”