Scotland tighthead Rae pens two-year extension

Rae, 30, has featured in 12 games across all competitions with his early season performances earning him a call-up to Scotland’s Autumn Nations Series squad, where he earned his second Test cap in the 57-17 victory over Fiji at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

Rae has been part of Edinburgh Rugby’s matchday 23 for all nine BKT United Rugby Championship fixtures this season – starting in four games – with his consistent form paving the way for a deserved a new deal, having originally joined from Top 14 side Montpellier ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Rae said: “I’m really chuffed to have signed a new two-year deal. At the start of the season, I made the decision to properly commit to this city and this great club.

“I’ve moved east, made Edinburgh my home and I feel like a full pre-season is paying dividends. I’m in great shape and feel really confident every time I take the field at the moment.

“I love being part of this squad and it’s been great to have the backing of our coaching team here. I’ve still got a lot of good rugby ahead of me and I’m really happy that I’ll be pulling on an Edinburgh jersey for at least another two years.”

Rae’s rugby roots can be found in the west of Scotland, having been part of the Ayr side that won the Premiership, Scottish Cup, and the Bill McLaren Shield in the same season, with Rae playing his part aged 17.

The prop represented his country through the age grades, playing 18 times at U20 level, including two World Rugby U20 Championships and two Six Nations U20 Championships.

Rae’s professional career took flight at Glasgow Warriors – where he enjoyed an eight-year spell – a period in which the prop had loan spells at Benetton Treviso and London Scottish amidst 85 appearances for the Scotstoun outfit.

Rae made his Scotland debut against Ireland during the 2019 Six Nations, five years prior to earning his second cap in the Thistle.

Rae enjoyed a successful spell at Bath where he made 46 appearances in two seasons at The Rec before moving to Montpellier on a short-term deal at the end of the 2022/23 season.

Alongside earning his second cap at Test level this past Autumn, Rae also featured for Scotland ‘A’, starting at tighthead in the 19-17 win over Chile at Hive Stadium.

Rae started in the capital side’s recent intercity victory over Glasgow Warriors – played in front of a club record 40,063 crowd at Scottish Gas Murrayfield – with that win lifting Edinburgh into the URC play-off positions, just three points off fourth place.

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Sean Everitt, added: “We’re really happy to see D’arcy extend his contract with the club. He’s started the season in great physical condition, and you can see how much he’s enjoying his rugby at the moment.

“Having just turned 30, D’arcy is probably entering his peak as a tighthead forward. He’s hitting brilliant numbers in both the gym and on the pitch, so we think there’s still plenty more to come from him as a player.

“His extension is great news for both club and country.”