Sevens star McCann completes capital homecoming

McCann is currently targeting a second shot at Olympic glory having featured in the GB Sevens team that finished fourth in Tokyo 2020.

In the XV-a-side game, McCann features primarily on the wing, although performed admirably at outside-centre in the Scotland U20 side that finished fifth in the 2017 World Rugby U20 Championship.

Growing up in the capital city in a sporting family – brothers Ali and Lewis play football for Preston North End and Dunfermline Athletic – McCann came through the ranks at Royal High School and club sides Stewart’s Melville and Melrose.

His most memorable outing in black and yellow came when he scored four tries in the 2018 Scottish Cup final win over Stirling County at Scottish Gas Murrayfield to seal a league and cup double, coached then by Rob Chrystie, now Edinburgh Rugby Skills and Attack Coach.

McCann then became Edinburgh Rugby player #1323 in the club’s opening victory over Dragons at Rodney Parade earlier this season, before returning to this season’s SVNS campaign – competing in six of seven tournaments thus far – and earning a call-up to Scotland’s 2023 Six Nations squad, further whetting his appetite for a formal return to the XV-a-side game.

He said: “It’s a dream come true to sign a permanent deal with Edinburgh Rugby. I’ve always wanted to play for my hometown club, and now I finally get the chance to do that.

“Edinburgh is home for me. I went to school here and rugby wise, it’s where it all began for me. So to be able to sign here and pull on that Edinburgh jersey in front of my family and friends will be an incredible feeling. I can’t wait to get stuck in and show everyone what I can do.

“There’s a real sense of pride in representing your hometown club and I’m determined to give everything I’ve got for Edinburgh Rugby. It’s a special place to play and I’m excited to be a part of it for the next two years.”

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach, Sean Everitt, said: “We’re delighted to have brought Ross in on a permanent deal. He’s a talented winger who is always looking to get involved in the game, and he’s not afraid to take on his opposite number. He’s also got a great attitude and is always willing to learn and improve.

“We’re excited to see what Ross can achieve in an Edinburgh Rugby jersey. He brings with him a wealth of experience from the sevens circuit and we’re confident he can develop into a real asset for the team.”

GB Sevens Head Coach Tony Roques added: “We’re really happy for Ross, he’s been an integral part of the GB programme during his time here.

“Ross still has an important part to play for the remainder of the season, we would like to thank him for his time at GB Sevens and wish him well for the next chapter in his career.”