2025/26 Academy intake confirmed

Edinburgh Rugby today confirmed its academy intake for the 2025/26 season.

The club adds six new academy prospects to the existing capital cohort, with 24 players making up this year’s Edinburgh Rugby Academy.

As previously announced, Stirling County winger Ross McKnight joins on a permanent deal in the academy, having impressed on trial following his hat-trick in last season’s friendly against Saracens.

Henry Widdowson (fly-half/full-back) will also be familiar to the capital faithful, having featured in the Edinburgh academy side that reached the semi-final of the recent Howden Melrose Sevens – the Scotland U18 stand-off joining from Merchiston Castle School.

Further backline additions join in the shape of Henry Kesterton (centre) and Rory McHaffie (back three).

Kesterton makes the short journey from Heriot’s, where he featured in the Scottish Premiership last season, before representing Edinburgh ‘A’ against Glasgow at the age of 17.

McHaffie makes the move north from the borders, having represented Scotland U18 while featuring for Peebles in Arnold Clark National League Division 1, where he won young player of the season.

In the forwards, the club welcomes Sam Byrd (lock) and Jack Utterson (hooker). Byrd makes the move north from Leicester Tigers Junior Academy, having featured for Scotland U19, while Kelso’s Utterson follows in the footsteps of his uncle Kevin (#1003), who represented the club in the early 2000s.

Academy Coach, Kris Burney, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome this talented group of players from across Edinburgh and the Borders. They all bring experience from Scotland’s age-grade setups, and most have already competed in senior rugby at a notably young age.

“Last season we saw seven of our academy prospects debut in the senior team, so the pathway and opportunities to these new players is really evident. I’m excited for what the future holds for this group.”