Steele makes capital move

Steele, 29 – who attended the city’s Merchiston Castle School – returns north from Harlequins, where has been part of the Twickenham Stoop set-up since 2020.

A product of Dumfries Academy and Dumfries Saints, Steele has so far earned four caps for Scotland, making his international debut in the away Guinness Six Nations victory against Wales in October 2020.

On joining Edinburgh Rugby, Steele said: “I’m extremely excited about the opportunity to move to Edinburgh. Coming back home to Scotland after 12 years playing down in England is something I’ve always wanted to do.

“Moving to Edinburgh will hopefully be an easy transition for me as I know a lot of the current squad through my time in the Scotland set-up, and also having spent time in the city during my last year of school.”

Steele represented Scotland at U17, U18 and U20 levels and joined Leicester Tigers as an academy player before making his professional debut in 2013.

He then made the move to London Irish in 2014 where he enjoyed a breakout campaign in his first season at the then-Madejski Stadium, starting 21 of 22 matches in a season that saw the Exiles beaten by Edinburgh Rugby in the Challenge Cup Quarter-Final.

The scrum-half would go on to make over 100 appearances for London Irish before joining Premiership rivals Harlequins ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

In his first season at Twickenham Stoop, Steele helped Quins to English Premiership glory as they defeated Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham to claim their first title since 2011.

That same campaign, Steele announced his arrival on the international stage, featuring in a famous Guinness Six Nations campaign which saw Scotland claim historic away victories against England and France.

The scrum-half now gears up to make a return north this summer, giving him a first taste of BKT United Rugby Championship rugby.

Steele continued: “I’m buzzing to play in the United Rugby Championship. Speaking to mates that play in the league, they absolutely love it.

“Getting to play against different teams from different countries will be new to me and something I’m looking forward to. I’ve been lucky enough to play against a few South African teams in the Heineken Champions Cup and really enjoyed it.”

Head Coach Mike Blair, added: “We’re really pleased to secure the signing of Scott [Steele] for next season. He’s a player that brings great experience, while he’ll also be a great fit culturally, given his links to the current squad and experience of rugby in the city.

“Scott’s addition brings further quality to our half-back group. He is an excellent defender and will help bring energy and tempo to the attack.”