Centurion Bradbury makes capital return

• 23 Apr 2024
• News

Club centurion and Scotland internationalist Magnus Bradbury will return to Edinburgh Rugby this summer, penning a deal that will keep him in the capital for at least two years.

Bradbury, 28, makes the move back from Bristol Bears whom he joined in 2022. The back-row previously spent eight years in the Scottish capital, a period in which he developed from academy graduate to the club’s 36^th centurion.

The number 8 picked up Bristol Bears Players’ Player of the Season in his debut campaign and has been almost ever-present for the West Country club since making the move to Ashton Gate two years ago.

Bradbury has been in fine form for Bristol this season, scoring nine tries while starting all 19 of the side’s domestic and European fixtures, including Sunday’s emphatic victory over Newcastle Falcons which saw the number 8 cross the whitewash for the bonus-point score.

Bradbury said: “Edinburgh is home for me. I love the club, so I’m really excited to return this summer.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Bristol. It’s been a great move for me, and it’s allowed me to grow and develop as a player in a new environment – and we can still achieve great things this season, which I’m fully focused on.

“However, when the opportunity to move back to Edinburgh came about, and with the direction the club is moving in, it felt like unfinished business. I’m relishing the chance to wear the castle on my chest once again and represent a city and supporters that mean so much to me.

“It’s been brilliant to see Edinburgh continue to grow and go from strength to strength. I loved that first season in our new home and it will be an amazing feeling to run out at Hive Stadium, in front of our supporters, once again.

“I’ve spoken to Sean [Everitt] and I really like his vision for the club. He wants Edinburgh guys leading an Edinburgh team. Hopefully I can continue where I left off and help the club win silverware – that’s what we all want to achieve.”

A product of Oban Lorne, Merchiston Castle School and the club’s academy system, Bradbury represented Edinburgh at U18 level and the national side at every age-grade.

The ferocious ball carrier made his Edinburgh debut against Leinster in October 2014 before bursting onto the scene in 2016/17 as he started 21 out of 23 games played.

Bradbury was rewarded for impressive club form with his first international cap in November 2016, making his Scotland debut at blindside flanker in the home Autumn Test victory over Argentina at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

Bradbury was a try-scorer in Scotland’s remarkable 38-38 draw against England at Twickenham in the 2019 Six Nations before being called into the Rugby World Cup squad for Japan where he impressed throughout the tournament.

The number 8 made his 100^th Edinburgh appearance against Benetton in December 2021 where he was able to pay tribute to his grassroots team, Oban Lorne RFC, on Club Appreciation Night.

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach, Sean Everitt, added: “Magnus [Bradbury] is quality player in his absolute prime. He’s been one of Bristol Bears’ most consistent performers this campaign, playing week in week out for a side in top form.

“With Bill [Mata] moving on at the end of the season, it was imperative that we recruited well in that position. Magnus can come in and anchor our pack from the get-go, while his obvious connection and history with the club, and relationship with a lot of players in this squad, means he can slot in seamlessly.

“With Magnus returning, and further exciting signings and re-signings still to be announced, things are shaping up nicely for next season, with our hopes of reaching the URC play-offs and securing Champions Cup rugby still very much in our own hands.”