Vellacott extends capital stay with new two-year deal

Edinburgh Rugby is delighted to announce that co-captain Ben Vellacott has signed a new two-year deal.

The 29-year-old scrum-half, who joined from Wasps in 2021, is now his in fourth season with the club, with his new deal keeping him Edinburgh until at least 2027.

Vellacott, who has firmly settled in the Scottish capital with his young family, was appointed co-captain alongside Grant Gilchrist ahead of the 2023/24 season, a role he has continued in this current campaign.

Vellacott said: “Edinburgh is home for me and my family now, and I’m absolutely delighted to be extending my stay.

“I love this club and this city, as well as the supporters who I feel like I’ve really connected with since moving north.

“With my experience, I feel like I’m in a position now to help bring on the younger scrum-halves at the club, and really contribute to the team’s growth in the future.

“We have unfinished business here, and I’m desperate to help lead this club to silverware. It’s set to be a really exciting end to the season and I can’t wait to play my part.”

Vellacott has made 10 appearances so far this season – scoring a try against Ospreys in October – with the scrum-half starting in last month’s impressive bonus-point victory over Munster at Irish Independent Park.

Vellacott marked his 50th Edinburgh Rugby appearance against Scarlets in last season’s EPCR Challenge Cup win at Parc y Scarlets, with his most recent match in Cork his 71^st representing the Scottish capital.

Head Coach Sean Everitt expressed his delight at securing Vellacott’s services for another two years.

He said: “Ben [Vellacott] is a vital part of the fabric of this club and is respected throughout the changing room.

“He’s a consummate professional, and even when injured or not in the starting line-up, he remains an important member of the team culturally, bringing his energy to every session and match.

“His experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to build and develop the squad moving forward.”

Vellacott joins Scotland internationals Pierre Schoeman, Duhan van der Merwe, Ben Muncaster, D’arcy Rae, Matt Currie and Freddy Douglas in committing to the team, following their contract extensions announced earlier this season.