By the numbers: Edinburgh’s fast start to 2026/27
4 Nov 2026With the URC paused for the Nations Championship, we look back at the first block of the season and the numbers behind it.
Four wins from five, three bonus points and the best lineout in the league: it’s been an encouraging start to the 2026/27 season in the capital, with several Edinburgh players sitting at the top of the league charts.
It’s early days, and there’s a long way to go. But here’s a look at how the first block stacks up.
The results
Round 1: Ulster 29–34 Edinburgh (bonus-point win)
Round 2: Edinburgh 17–13 DHL Stormers
Round 3: Zebre Parma 12–29 Edinburgh (bonus-point win)
Round 4: Edinburgh 31–10 Lions (bonus-point win)
Round 5: Benetton 31–12 Edinburgh
Set-piece: the league’s best lineout
67 lineouts won
7 lost
91% success rate
19 lineouts stolen
No side in the URC has a better lineout. Our own ball has been secure and we’ve caused real problems on the opposition throw.
The DHL Stormers game was the clearest example. Our pressure on their set-piece stopped them building any momentum, and that was the platform for a tight win at Hive Stadium.
Two of our forwards are leading that effort. Liam McConnell has stolen 7 lineouts, the most in the league, and Glen Young is second with 6.
Attack: sixth in the league
123 points
17 tries
49 offloads
2,021 metres gained
131 defenders beaten
36 clean breaks
Five rounds in, we have the sixth-best attack in the URC with three try bonus points already already
The individuals
James Grayson: 36 points (2nd in the URC)
Our summer signing from Japan Rugby League One side Mitsubishi Dynaboars has settled in quickly.
The former Northampton Saints stand-off scored 14 points on debut in Belfast and has steered the team around the park since. Only one player in the league has scored more points.
Piers O’Conor: 417 metres (1st in the URC)
No player in the league has gained more ground. O’Conor has also beaten 22 defenders, the second most in the competition, and carried 66 times.
Now in his second season in the capital after joining from Connacht, the versatile back has been one of the standouts of the opening block.
The league’s top three carriers
All three of the URC’s leading ball carriers play for Edinburgh:
- Liam McConnell: 71 carries
- Magnus Bradbury: 70 carries
- Piers O’Conor: 66 carries
McConnell keeps building on his breakthrough 2025/26 season, and co-captain Bradbury continues to set the standard with ball in hand.
Glen Young: 9 offloads (1st in the URC)
No one in the league has offloaded more than the veteran Jedburgh lock.
Add his six lineout steals and you have a player in fine form to start the campaign.
Freddy Douglas: 9 turnovers won (1st in the URC)
The breakdown is still Douglas territory. He leads the league for turnovers won after five rounds, and those turnovers have regularly turned defence into attack for the capital side.
What’s next
The URC returns on Friday 4 December, when we welcome Dragons RFC to Hive Stadium for our festive home clash (kick-off 7.45pm). Get your tickets here.
