Hunter-Hill returns to Edinburgh Rugby on two-year deal

Edinburgh Rugby is delighted to confirm the signing of Gallagher Premiership winning Scottish lock Callum Hunter-Hill, who returns to the capital club on a two-year deal, subject to medical.

Hunter-Hill, 28, spent last season at Investec Champions Cup Finalists Northampton Saints and makes his return north to Edinburgh, where he previously spent two seasons from 2017 to 2019, making 19 appearances before joining Saracens.

Hunter-Hill’s arrival further fortifies an Edinburgh second-row unit that includes Scotland internationals Grant Gilchrist, Sam Skinner, Marshall Sykes and Glen Young, as well as promising young Scottish locks Robert Carmichael and Euan McVie.

Speaking on his return, Hunter-Hill said: “I’m absolutely buzzing and very grateful to be back at Edinburgh Rugby. It’s a club that means a huge amount to me. Edinburgh’s always been home and I’m proud to be part of it again.

“There’s a brilliant group there and having watched from afar, especially last season, the team is so well poised to make an even bigger step forward next year, and I’m relishing the chance to add whatever I can to the squad.”

Born in Melrose and an East Lothian native, Hunter-Hill’s rugby career started at North Berwick RFC and continued through Stewart’s Melville College in Edinburgh, where he notably won the Brewin Dolphin Shield.

He played his club rugby at Stirling County, where he captained the side, and progressed through the Glasgow Warriors academy, making his professional debut in 2016.

A Macphail Scholarship recipient, Hunter-Hill went on to captain Scotland U20, earning 19 age-grade caps.

Hunter-Hill joined Edinburgh Rugby ahead of the 2017/18 season after a loan spell at London Scottish, making his debut as Edinburgh player #1240 away to the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

He enjoyed a breakout 2018/19 campaign, featuring in 18 matches in all competitions, including home and away Champions Cup victories over Newcastle Falcons.

Hunter-Hill joined Saracens on loan ahead of the 2019/20 season, impressing with 25 appearances, before making the move permanent. He was instrumental in Saracens’ English Championship win in 2020-21, helping them return to the Premiership at the first time of asking.

Across five seasons at StoneX Stadium, Hunter-Hill made 81 appearances, including coming off the bench in their 2022/23 Premiership Final victory over Sale Sharks, before moving to Northampton Saints last season.

Though yet to earn a senior Scotland cap, Hunter-Hill has been involved in national training camps and was selected for the 2021 summer tour to face Georgia and Romania, a tour ultimately cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Sean Everitt added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Callum [Hunter-Hill] back to Edinburgh. He’s a quality player with significant experience at the top level, featuring in some really important games for both Saracens and Northampton Saints.

“He brings real quality to our set-piece with his ability to call the lineout, and his size and toughness will bring further physicality to the pack. He will be a great addition to the squad, and we look forward to welcoming him back to the club this summer.”