'Leads by example'; Paul Hill pens new Edinburgh deal

Former England tight-head prop Paul Hill has signed a new two-year deal at Edinburgh, keeping him at Hive Stadium through to the end of the 2027/28 season.

The 31-year-old has been a consistent presence in the capital front-row since joining from Northampton Saints in 2024 campaign, making 14 appearances in his debut season – starting 11 – before featuring in 19 games so far this term.

Hill is the latest to extend his stay at the capital club, with Grant Gilchrist and Mosese Tuipulotu among those to have also put pen to paper on new deals in recent weeks – with further professional contracts confirmed for academy prospects Hector Patterson, Jack Brown and Jerry Blyth-Lafferty.

Last week, James Grayson became the fifth senior signing of the summer, joining Riley Higgins, Louie Chapman, Geordie Gwynn and Alec Hepburn in committing to the club for next season.

On the new deal, Hill said: “Edinburgh feels like home now – and that’s not something I say lightly.

“This club, this city, the way the squad is being built by Sean [Everitt] – everything about it sits right with me. I’m really happy playing my rugby here, and that happiness hopefully shows on the pitch.

“I’m aware that I’m one of the more experienced players in the group, and I take that responsibility seriously. Helping bring through the next generation of props is something I genuinely care about.

“But I want to be clear, I’m still so hungry. I want to win things with this club. The way we’re building here and the ambition in this squad excites me, and I want to be right at the heart of it.”

The 2024 PREM title winner made an immediate impression on the Edinburgh faithful in his first season, crossing for a stunning solo try against Benetton in a 50-33 home win – an opportunistic burst from the back of a lineout that spoke to his athleticism and awareness beyond the set-piece.

Head Coach Sean Everitt added: “Paul has been exactly what we hoped for when he joined us – a composed, experienced operator who sets the standard at set-piece every single week.

“That expertise is invaluable, and we see the influence he has on the younger props coming through around him.

“Someone like Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, for example – having Paul there to learn from every day in training is a real privilege for a young prop at the start of his career. Paul leads by example, and that rubs off.

“At 31, Paul is entering the prime years of his career as a tight-head. We’re delighted he’s committed his future here and he’ll continue to be a big player for Edinburgh Rugby.”