Bradbury has 'unfinished business' with Edinburgh after sealing return

Magnus Bradbury will make his return to Edinburgh at the end of the season after two years with Bristol Bears, signing for his former club on a two-year deal, as reported by RugbyPass.

The 28-year-old had spent eight years with Edinburgh having come through their academy before making the move to the Gallagher Premiership in 2022, where he was named the Bears’ players’ player of the season in his debut campaign.

While the No8 is focussed on the rest of the season in England, where Bristol moved into the top four of the Premiership on Sunday, he said he has “unfinished business” in Edinburgh.

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The 19-cap Scotland international was a try scorer in Bristol’s 85-14 demolition of Newcastle Falcons on Sunday at Ashton Gate.

A move back to the United Rugby Championship may boost Bradbury’s chances of a Scotland recall, with the last of his 19 caps coming in July 2022 against Argentina just before his move to Bristol. He was, however, called into the Scotland camp by Gregor Townsend during this year’s Guinness Six Nations.

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His return to the Scottish capital will coincide with Bill Mata going the other way, with the Fijian’s move to Bristol announced in January.

“Edinburgh is home for me. I love the club, so I’m really excited to return this summer,” Bradbury said after signing.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Bristol. It’s been a great move for me, and it’s allowed me to grow and develop as a player in a new environment – and we can still achieve great things this season, which I’m fully focused on.

“However, when the opportunity to move back to Edinburgh came about, and with the direction the club is moving in, it felt like unfinished business. I’m relishing the chance to wear the castle on my chest once again and represent a city and supporters that mean so much to me.

“It’s been brilliant to see Edinburgh continue to grow and go from strength to strength. I loved that first season in our new home and it will be an amazing feeling to run out at Hive Stadium, in front of our supporters, once again.

“I’ve spoken to Sean [Everitt] and I really like his vision for the club. He wants Edinburgh guys leading an Edinburgh team. Hopefully I can continue where I left off and help the club win silverware – that’s what we all want to achieve.”

Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt added: “Magnus is a quality player in his absolute prime. He’s been one of Bristol Bears’ most consistent performers this campaign, playing week in week out for a side in top form.

“With Bill [Mata] moving on at the end of the season, it was imperative that we recruited well in that position. Magnus can come in and anchor our pack from the get-go, while his obvious connection and history with the club, and relationship with a lot of players in this squad, means he can slot in seamlessly.

“With Magnus returning, and further exciting signings and re-signings still to be announced, things are shaping up nicely for next season, with our hopes of reaching the URC play-offs and securing Champions Cup rugby still very much in our own hands.”