‘Highly rated’ Tigers prop Whitcombe joins on three-year deal

Edinburgh Rugby today announced the signing of highly-rated Scottish qualified loosehead prop James Whitcombe from Leicester Tigers on a three-year deal.

The 24-year-old, who qualifies for Scotland through his Falkirk-born grandmother, will make the move to the Scottish capital this summer, adding significant firepower to the club’s front-row options.

Whitcombe has been a regular fixture for Leicester Tigers this season, with 16 appearances including five starts. He has also played a key role off the bench in their recent Gallagher Premiership victories over Northampton Saints and Bristol Bears.

On joining Edinburgh this summer, Whitcombe said: “I’m really looking forward to the move up north. It’s a fresh opportunity for me – a chance to challenge myself in a new environment, both on and off the pitch. Edinburgh’s a great city, and I’m excited to get stuck in and be part of the club.

“The chance to test myself in a new league, against different styles of rugby and international opposition, was a big draw. The URC is an exciting competition and I felt that Edinburgh was the right place for me to continue developing and push myself further.

“I want to help the club win trophies. That’s the goal. I want to contribute to a successful team and be part of something special in the Scottish capital.

Whitcombe’s rugby journey began at the age of five with Skipton RFC. He also spent time playing rugby league for Keighley Albion before focusing on the union code at Bradford & Bingley RFC and Woodhouse Grove School, where he earned representative honours for England at U16, U18 (on their 2018 summer tour of South Africa), and U19 levels.

He joined the Leicester Tigers academy at 13 and was part of their successful U18 sides that claimed back-to-back league titles. Following school, he gained valuable experience with Sydney University Colts in the Shute Shield.

Whitcombe was promoted to Leicester’s development squad in July 2019, turning professional, and spent the 2019-2020 season on loan with Leicester Lions in National League 2 South, where he was named the league’s Young Player of the Season.

He made his senior Leicester debut in December 2020 and his Premiership debut in February 2021.

Whitcombe comes from a strong rugby lineage, being the son of Martin Whitcombe, grandson of Frank Whitcombe Jr, and great-grandson of prominent rugby league players Frank Whitcombe and Thomas Cockcroft.

Head Coach Sean Everitt added: “Securing a player of James’ quality on a long-term deal is a significant coup for the club. He is a highly-rated young prop with a fantastic pedigree, having come through a strong Leicester Tigers system and gained valuable experience in a very competitive Premiership environment.

“At just 24, James has already shown his capabilities at a high level, and we believe he has massive potential to become a key player for Edinburgh Rugby. He is a powerful presence in the front-row, both at the set-piece and around the park, and his desire to develop further aligns perfectly with our ambitions for the team.

“Our squad is shaping up nicely for next season, and James adds further quality and depth to our already talented front-row. We are excited to welcome him to Edinburgh this summer and see the impact he can make.”