Paterson voted Scottish Building Society Player of the Month for March

Paterson takes home the award after picking up the most votes from supporters, having been in exceptional form throughout the month and providing a consistent attacking threat from the number 15 jersey.

The full-back was at his best in Edinburgh’s comeback win over Scarlets, producing a moment of individual brilliance to clinch the bonus point victory. Spotting his opportunity, Paterson chased his own kick downfield before charging down the Scarlets full-back’s clearance and pouncing on the ball to score a decisive try.

He backed that up the following week against Ulster, finishing with composure after gathering a perfectly-weighted dinked pass from Wes Goosen to hit the line and help Edinburgh into a first-half lead. Two tries in two games, and a bright spark throughout a demanding month.

Paterson has since picked up a quad injury while on tour in South Africa and is now working his way back to full fitness.

As part of the Scottish Building Society Player of the Month initiative, the club’s Main Club Partner will donate £500 to each winner’s chosen grassroots cause. Paterson has chosen for the donation to go to the youth set-up at Edinburgh Accies – the club where it all began for the Edinburgh full-back.

Paterson said: “First of all, a huge thank you to all the fans who took the time to vote for me – it genuinely means a lot. I’m really enjoying my rugby right now and feel like I’m in a good place with my game, so it’s great to get that recognition from the supporters.

“It’s been frustrating to pick up an injury because I was feeling good and wanted to keep that momentum going. But I’m focused on getting back to full fitness as quickly as possible and contributing for the team again.

“I’m also really grateful to Scottish Building Society for the donation to Edinburgh Accies. That club means the world to me – it’s where I started out, where I developed my love for the game, and so many great people gave up their time to help me along the way. Giving something back to the youth set-up there means so much.”

Head Coach Sean Everitt said: “Harry has been outstanding for us this season and March was another example of just how important he is to the way we play. He’s a player who can change a game in an instant – as he showed against Scarlets, that try was a moment of real quality that only a player with his instinct and work rate would have produced.

“What people don’t always see is how much Harry puts into his game away from the headlines. His kicking has been exceptional – he gives us huge territory and tactical control – and his work rate throughout every game is relentless.

“It’s obviously disappointing to lose him to injury at the moment, but we know he’ll work incredibly hard to get back, and he’ll continue to be an player for us when he returns.”