‘It’s everything I’ve dreamed of’ – Blyth-Lafferty latest to sign pro

The 22-year-old has made five senior appearances this season, including a composed first start away at Leinster in January – holding his own against one of the toughest front rows in the game.

Blyth-Lafferty became Edinburgh player #1349 after debuting against Glasgow Warriors in December’s 1872 Cup clash at Scottish Gas Murrayfield – making his first appearance for his boyhood team alongside 20-year-old younger brother, and prop, Ollie (#1348).

Jerry and Ollie add their names to a proud Edinburgh Rugby brotherhood – joining the likes of Mike, Alex and David Blair, twins Alex and Ben Toolis, as well current teammates Matt And Tom Currie, as siblings to have represented the club.

The duo became the first brothers to play together for Scotland U20 when lifting the World U20 trophy together at Hive Stadium in 2024, and this season have both signed their first professional contracts with the capital club.

The hooker follows in the footsteps of Jack Brown, Hector Patterson, and brother Ollie, who have taken the step up from academy to full-time professional this season.

On stepping up, Blyth-Lafferty said: “I’m buzzing. It’s everything I’ve dreamed of. I grew up wanting to play for Edinburgh. Representing my city and my home means everything to me.

“It’s also so special to be able to pull on the jersey alongside my brother. We’ve already had some great memories playing together, and I can’t wait to make more with this team.”

Head Coach Sean Everitt added: “Jerry has a brilliant attitude. He is a player we’re looking forward to working with more in our senior squad, and see how he can kick on from where he is now.

“He has taken his opportunities well this season, and has displayed a maturity beyond his years. I’m excited to see what he can do in an Edinburgh jersey in the future.”

A product of Boroughmuir RFC, Jerry joined the club’s pro-academy ahead of the 2023/24 season, having featured heavily for Scotland U20 and Edinburgh ‘A’ in the 2022/23 Super Series Sprint.

The dynamic hooker has waited patiently for his opportunity, but has taken it with both arms, putting in mature performances at hooker when called upon, with a 88% success rate from lineout throws, and a 93% tackle success rate.

Jerry also featured for Emerging Scotland in last autumn’s match against Tonga XV, putting in a solid performance against an experienced international side.