Vellacott commits future ahead of 1872 Cup derbies

The Scotland internationalist, 27, puts pen-to-paper on a new multi-year deal ahead of the upcoming 1872 Cup derbies following a stellar start to life in the capital.

The livewire nine grabbed six tries in 21 appearances in his first season at DAM Health Stadium, earning him a reputation as one of the BKT United Rugby Championship’s most exciting playmakers.

That form at club level earned Vellacott Scotland honours with the scrum-half making his international debut against Italy in this year’s Guinness Six Nations Championship.

On penning a new deal, Vellacott said: “It was a really easy decision for me. I’m loving the direction the club is going in and the ambition the club has for the future. But, most of all, I’m loving play footy with my best mates.”

Vellacott has made Edinburgh ‘home’ since arriving from Wasps last summer – representing Lasswade RFC in the annual Club Appreciation Night fixture – while his scoring exploits are now a regular feature at DAM Health Stadium.

The scrum-half added to his tally of scores with an opportunistic touchdown against Castres Olympique in last Saturday’s Heineken Champions Cup bonus-point win, and now heads into this weekend’s derby opener in fine form.

He added: “Edinburgh is a very cool place with so much to do and to be able to experience it with my fiancé is really special.

“We have a list of places we want to visit or eat out at which is good fun ticking off, while we are getting married up here in Summer 2024 and we’re both really excited.

“Being able to play the sport I love in so many different countries has been brilliant – I’m very grateful to have that opportunity with Edinburgh Rugby moving forward.

“I just want to help the club perform to its highest potential and compete with the very best in Europe.”

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Mike Blair, added: “Ben [Vellacott] has been nothing short of a model professional since joining us last summer.

“The way he carries himself in both sessions and matches, takes on extra training or analysis, or the way he shares advice to younger players are all positive behaviours that have made him a real leader in our squad.

“We’re absolutely delighted that Ben has committed his future to the club. He’s a really dangerous attacking player who brings an added spark to everything we do going forward.

“He is also a hugely popular member of the playing squad and someone that brings an energy to training every single day – long may that continue.”