McCallum takes up deal in Scotland after 10-day French trial ends

Ex-Worcester prop Murray McCallum has ended a ten-day trial in France… by taking up a contract back home in Scotland with Edinburgh. It was January 4 when RugbyPass reported that the front-rower had headed across the Channel looking to grasp the lifeline of securing a Pro D2 deal with Montauban.

However, rather than nail down a contract there that would see him through to the end of this season with the French second-tier strugglers, URC franchise Edinburgh confirmed late on Friday night that they had managed to get the services of McCallum, who had been looking for a club since last October’s collapse of Worcester.

A statement read: “Scotland international prop Murray McCallum has rejoined Edinburgh Rugby on a short-term deal until the end of the season. McCallum, 26, had been on a ten-day trial at Pro D2 side Montauban but makes the move back to the Scottish capital where he made 63 appearances during a five-year spell at his hometown club between 2016-2021.

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“Capped three times for Scotland, McCallum will provide further cover in the Edinburgh front-row, with tighthead prop Angus Williams expected to miss a number of weeks through injury.

“McCallum played at both Strathallan School and Heriot’s RFC before making his professional debut for Edinburgh Rugby against Treviso in October 2016. A physical ball carrier who can cover both sides of the scrum, McCallum made his international debut from the bench against Wales during the 2018 Six Nations championship.”

12-and-a-half weeks after the collapsed Worcester last played in the Premiership, @heagneyl ??? investigated what had since happened to the 23 players who defeated Newcastle on September 24 at Sixways. #GallagherPrem #ICYMIhttps://t.co/L9sSj7vCHX

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) December 29, 2022

McCallum, said: “I can’t wait to get started with the boys. There is still a lot of work to do this season and big games to play in and I’m looking forward to helping the team in every way I can. There are still a lot of people at the club from when I left in 2021, players and staff, so it’s going be great to see some familiar faces, as well as get to know the new ones.

“I want to play at the highest level possible and be competitive and Edinburgh are eating at the top table just now. It’s a great time to join.”

Edinburgh boss Mike Blair added: “It’s brilliant we’re able to welcome Murray back to Edinburgh, a club that he knows so well having come through the academy system to make over 50 appearances. With Angus expected to miss a number of weeks through injury, Murray will bring added cover to the front row and we expect him to hit the ground running as he links up with the squad later this week.”