Hooker Cruse makes capital move

• 22 Nov 2022
• News

Edinburgh Rugby today confirmed the signing of experienced hooker Tom Cruse on a short-term deal.

Cruse joins the club with immediate effect, having left Wasps after the English Premiership side entered administration last month.

The former Sale Sharks and London Irish front-row adds further experience and cover for Edinburgh’s stable of hookers, with both Adam McBurney and Dave Cherry expected to miss time through injury.

Cruse said: “Edinburgh is an amazing club with great coaching staff and an exciting squad of players.

“The chance to come up and experience a different competition is one I’m looking forward to, along with living in an incredible city.

“It’s a privilege to be given this opportunity and one I cannot wait to get stuck into.”

Having come through Sale Sharks’ academy – where he made his professional debut in 2012 – Cruse made his breakthrough at Rotherham Titans where he scored 11 tries in 44 appearances.

His Championship form quickly earned him a move to the English Premiership, with London Irish in 2015/16.

Cruse then made the move to Wasps a season later, where he developed into one of the most consistent and mobile hookers in England’s top flight, scoring 21 tries in 114 appearances for the six-times English Champions.

He also featured for Barbarians FC on Sunday as the invitational side took on Bath Rugby at The Rec, claiming a last-minute 30-31 win.

Head Coach Mike Blair added: “We’re delighted to bring in Tom on a short-term deal – he’s an experienced player whose played consistently at a high level for a long time.

“With Adam and Dave both side-lined for a short period, the addition of Tom is vital as we return to action and compete in both the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup.”