Crusaders scrum-half joins on two-year deal

The 25-year-old – who qualifies for Scotland through his Elgin-born Grandmother – is Edinburgh’s third new arrival announced in the space of a week, following the capture of Hurricanes centre Riley Higgins on a three-year deal and Scotland U20 back Geordie Gwynn, who joins from Ealing Trailfinders.

Chapman – a former Head Boy at Christchurch Boys’ High School where he captained their first XV – represented NZ Schools before progressing through the Crusaders Junior Knights programme.

He made his senior debut for Tasman Mako in 2020 as injury cover and went on to accumulate more than 40 appearances for the Nelson-based provincial side across six seasons.

The half-back’s stock rose sharply during the 2024/25 Bunnings NPC season, where he was a near ever-present for Canterbury, starting 10 of their 11 matches, scoring five tries as the province reached the final.

Chapman made his Crusaders Super Rugby debut in 2023 and has featured five times for the Christchurch franchise in the current 2025/26 season.

On the move, Chapman said: “I’m so excited to be joining Edinburgh – a club with such a rich history and a real identity. I’ve been doing my research and the more I’ve learned about the place, the culture and what the club means to this city, the more I can’t wait to get there and be a part of it.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the boys, getting to know the fans and really throwing myself into everything that comes with playing in Scotland. It’s going to be a brilliant experience and I just want to get stuck in and contribute as quickly as I can.”

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach, Sean Everitt, added: “We’re really excited to welcome Louie to Edinburgh. He has a huge amount of potential, but what stands out when you watch him is the maturity he brings – the control, the decision-making, the way he manages the game with tempo.

“Those aren’t attributes that come by accident, and for a player still on the right side of 26 who has developed in that Crusaders environment, they tell you a great deal about his ceiling.”

Everitt continued: “He’s Scottish-qualified, which adds another layer to this signing. We want players who see Edinburgh as a place where they can grow and push for the highest level. Louie is someone who fits that profile.

“He will come in and challenge our existing scrum-halves, and that competition will make everyone better. He’s another high-quality addition to a squad we are building with real intent.”

Chapman is expected to arrive in Edinburgh around the autumn, with the timeline dependent on Canterbury’s progress in the Bunnings NPC.