Leicester Tigers statement: Hamish Watson

Fresh on the heels of Scotland’s stunning victory over France, Leicester Tigers have confirmed the short-term signing of Scotland and British & Irish Lions flanker Hamish Watson on a two-month loan deal from Edinburgh.

The 59-cap Scotland international arrives at Mattioli Woods Welford Road with immediate effect, providing the midlands club with experienced back-row cover during a busy run of fixtures.

Watson is no stranger to the region. He was educated at Oakham School in Rutland and spent time in the Leicester Tigers academy before making the move north of the border to continue his professional career with Edinburgh.

The 33-year-old has gone on to become one of Scotland’s most decorated back-row forwards of the professional era, earning selection for the British & Irish Lions on their 2021 tour of South Africa and becoming a central figure for Edinburgh across more than a decade.

Geoff Parling said: “We’ve had some injuries in the back 5 of the pack so it’s a real boost to be able to add someone of Hamish’s quality at such short notice.”

“It’s quite full circle for him to be in our academy and then get the chance to represent us so many years later.”

“We’ve had conversations around the fluidity of how long he’ll be with us when others start returning, but it’s great to hear how hungry he is to represent Tigers, and we look forward to welcoming him at Oval Park.”

Watson has made 168 appearances for the Scottish capital club, scoring 22 tries and starting 138 of those matches, while racking up more than 10,000 minutes of action in the process.

“It’s a full-circle moment for me to rejoin Tigers having been in the academy system here earlier in my career,” said Watson.

“It is such a prestigious club and it’s an honour to join them, even on a short-term basis.”

“I played at Mattioli Woods Welford Road in the A-League, and then again for Edinburgh a few years ago, and the chance to play in front of that famous crowd would be a privilege.”