Patterson pens first pro deal

The 21-year-old put pen to paper on the deal just days after impressing on his professional debut, scoring a try and contributing strongly at nine as Edinburgh edged a dramatic 31–30 victory over Zebre Parma at Hive Stadium on Friday night.

Patterson came through the ranks at Jed-Forest and Hawick RFC before progressing through the Edinburgh Rugby academy, and was part of the Scotland side that won the 2024 World Rugby U20 Trophy.

On Friday, the Denholm-born scrum-half delivered a composed and assured display from the base – kicking well, providing clean service to stand-off Ross Thompson and the forwards, while finishing a well-worked team move to get his name on the scoresheet.

Rugby runs deep in the Patterson family. Hector’s father, Derrick, was a former Scotland scrum-half who earned two senior international caps in the 1990s and represented his country at the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

Derrick made his Edinburgh District debut against Glasgow at Goldenacre in November 1992, becoming player number 914. More than 30 years later, his son pulled on the Edinburgh jersey for the first time against Zebre to become player number 1351 – a detail that will not have been lost on either of them.

Patterson joins a group of academy graduates who have recently stepped up to professional contracts at the club, following back-row duo Freddy Douglas and Liam McConnell, and tighthead prop Ollie Blyth-Lafferty – all three of whom lined up alongside him against Zebre on Friday.

On the new deal, Patterson said: “Friday night was everything I dreamed it would be. Pulling on that jersey for the first time in a competitive match, in front of our own fans at Hive Stadium, was a moment I’ll carry with me forever. I loved every single minute of it and it’s only made me hungrier for more.

“Signing my first pro deal is what I’ve been working towards my whole career. To get here, at this club, feels incredibly special.

“I feel like I can really kick on and keep improving as a player under Sean [Everitt, Head Coach] and the coaching staff. The environment here gives you every opportunity to develop. I’m excited for what the future holds and I want to repay the faith the club has shown in me.”

Head Coach Sean Everitt added: “Hector worked hard for his opportunity and he took it well on Friday. The kicking game, the service, the try – he was composed throughout. It was a really encouraging debut.

“This is what happens when players commit to their development. Freddy, Liam and Ollie have shown a pathway is there for young players who are willing to put the work in, and Hector is the latest to follow that route. It’s great to see and we’re looking forward to watching him continue to grow.”