Scottish qualified Callum Hunter-Hill to make URC return

Callum Hunter-Hill has signed a two-year deal with Scottish URC side Edinburgh, a club he previously spent two seasons at between 2017 and 2019.

The 28-year-old lock joins from Northampton Saints following a five-year spell in England that included over 80 appearances for Gallagher Premiership giants Saracens.

His arrival adds depth to a second-row group that already includes Grant Gilchrist, Sam Skinner, Marshall Sykes and Glen Young, with Robert Carmichael and Euan McVie providing age-grade backup.

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A Melrose-born East Lothian native, Hunter-Hill came through North Berwick RFC and Stewart’s Melville College, captained Stirling County, and was a Macphail Scholar before earning 19 Scotland U20 caps.

His senior career began in the Glasgow Warriors academy, making his pro debut in 2016, before he joined Edinburgh permanently in 2017 following a loan stint at London Scottish.

The 6’7, 116kg lock made 19 appearances for the capital side, including 18 in the 2018/19 season. It was a campaign that featured Champions Cup wins home and away against Newcastle Falcons.

He join Saracens on loan in 2019/20, a move that became permanent.

He contributed regularlly to the at the time scandalised club’s 2020/21 English Championship title and their return to the Premiership, where he featured in their 2022/23 final win over Sale Sharks.

He then moved to Northampton ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Hunter-Hill is yet to be capped by Scotland at senior level although he was named in the 2021 summer tour squad that was ultimately cancelled due to pandemic.

“I’m absolutely buzzing and very grateful to be back at Edinburgh Rugby,” said Hunter Hill. “It’s a club that means a huge amount to me. Edinburgh’s always been home and I’m proud to be part of it again.

“There’s a brilliant group there and having watched from afar, especially last season, the team is so well poised to make an even bigger step forward next year, and I’m relishing the chance to add whatever I can to the squad.”

Head coach Sean Everitt added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Callum [Hunter-Hill] back to Edinburgh. He’s a quality player with significant experience at the top level, featuring in some really important games for both Saracens and Northampton Saints.

“He brings real quality to our set-piece with his ability to call the lineout, and his size and toughness will bring further physicality to the pack. He will be a great addition to the squad, and we look forward to welcoming him back to the club this summer.”