Former Scotland U20 flanker Dodd signs

• 28 Apr 2023
• News

Former Scotland U20 back-row Tom Dodd will join Edinburgh Rugby this summer, making the move from English Championship side Coventry Rugby on a two-year deal.

Dodd, 25, was part of the age-grade squad that recorded a best-ever fifth place finish at the 2017 World Rugby U20 Championship held in Georgia, alongside current Edinburgh players Blair Kinghorn, Darcy Graham and Charlie Shiel, scoring four tries in 10 appearances for the junior Scots.

The flanker – who qualifies through his Glenrothes-born mum – is a product of Worcester Warriors and spent five seasons at Sixways – scoring one try in 31 appearances – before the club entered administration last September.

Dodd then secured a move to Coventry and has so far made 14 appearances at Butts Park Arena, with the side currently sitting in third place in the English Championship.

On joining Edinburgh, Dodd said: “I’m really excited to move north next season. It’s a beautiful city, and from what everyone says it’s a great place to live.

“The URC is a really strong competition that I can’t wait to get involved with. From watching on TV, the quality of rugby is incredible, while the experience of taking on top South African and Irish teams is something I’m relishing as a player.

“Edinburgh play a really exciting style of rugby and possess a lot of threats. I’m looking forward to seeing some of the lads I’ve not seen for quite a few years and getting stuck into the new season.”

Having come through the ranks at Warwick School, Dodd made his professional debut for Worcester Warriors in an Anglo-Welsh Cup clash against Sale Sharks in November 2017.

After impressing for Worcester Cavaliers during the 2017/18 Premiership Rugby Shield campaign – in which he scored three tries in 10 appearances – Dodd then spent time on loan at Luctonians, Birmingham Moseley and Stourbridge.

The back-row also enjoyed playing time at Hartpury University after the Gloucester side secured promotion to the English Championship in 2018.

Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director Douglas Struth said: “We’re delighted to welcome Tom to the club. He’s a young and versatile Scottish player, who’s already experienced so much in the game in the English Premiership.

“His knowledge of many of our squad from his Scotland Under 20 days will also mean that he can hit the ground running in the summer.

“Whilst we already have a highly competitive back-row unit, Tom will add even more quality and expertise to an area where depth is always tested during the international windows.”