‘There’s no greater honour than leading my club, my city’ – Magnus Bradbury named Edinburgh Rugby captain

Bradbury, 30, has been an impressive performer and a natural leader since rejoining the club from Bristol Bears last season. He previously spent eight years in the Scottish capital, developing from an academy graduate to the club’s 36th centurion.

A product of Oban Lorne RFC, Merchiston Castle School, and the club’s academy system, Bradbury represented Edinburgh at U18 level and the national side at every age-grade. The ferocious ball carrier made his Edinburgh debut against Leinster in October 2014 before bursting onto the scene in 2016/17, starting 21 of 23 games played.

His impressive club form was rewarded with his first international cap in November 2016, making his Scotland debut at blindside flanker in a home Autumn Test victory over Argentina at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

Bradbury made his 100th Edinburgh appearance against Benetton in December 2021, a game in which he paid tribute to his grassroots team, Oban Lorne RFC, on Club Appreciation Night.

Since rejoining the club, Bradbury has been in top form. He showcased his leadership and scoring prowess in the 2024/25 final regular season game against Ulster, captaining the side and scoring two tries to secure Edinburgh’s place in the BKTURC play-offs to bring Investec Champions Cup rugby back to the capital.

This has been a hugely important period for Bradbury both on and off the field. After celebrating his 30th birthday and getting married last month, he is now preparing to officially lead the team at Hive Stadium for the first time this Friday night, when he captains the side against Ealing Trailfinders in the second match of a Scottish Building Society pre-season double-header.

Edinburgh Rugby captain, Bradbury, said: “It’s an immense honour to be named captain of this club. It’s my home, my city, and it feels like the right time for me to take on this responsibility.

“I’ve grown and matured a lot since my last stint as captain in 2017. My time in Bristol, playing and learning alongside experienced internationals, really helped me develop as both a man and a player. I know I’m in the right place, at the right time, to lead this team and help drive us forward.

“I’m a captain who leads by my actions on the pitch. I want to show the team what it means to put your body on the line and fight for every inch. Off the field, I’ve learned the importance of taking accountability and setting high standards for myself and for the team.

“My goal is to help build a culture where we are all pushing each other to be better, both as individuals and as a collective. We have an incredibly talented squad here, and I’m confident that with the right focus and hard work, we can achieve great things together.”

Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director, Douglas Struth, added: Magnus [Bradbury] truly encapsulates what this club is all about. He’s hardworking, takes accountability, but most of all, he has a huge heart and cares deeply about this club and its people – from his teammates to the off-field team.

“He has a real hunger to fight for the club’s growth, and that’s hugely exciting for us. I can’t wait to see Magnus lead the team and club in 2025/26.”

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach, Sean Everitt said: “We’re thrilled to have Magnus as our captain. As someone who has developed in our academy system, his desire to lead his boyhood club is undeniable, and his deep connection to the city and our supporters was a significant factor in our decision.

“He will have the full support of a great leadership group at the club, who will be there to back his every decision. We’re confident that Magnus leading with purpose will help drive this club forward.”