I Only Ever Wanted to Play for Edinburgh

Liam McConnell pens a new two-year deal ahead of the 1872 Cup derbies

Edinburgh Rugby is delighted to announce Scotland international back-row Liam McConnell has signed a new two-year contract extension, keeping the academy graduate at Hive Stadium until at least June 2028.

Having captained Scotland U20 following his development at Boroughmuir, the 21-year-old’s rise to the Edinburgh back-row has been seamless. His consistent, high-level performances this season have made him an indispensable part of the pack as the club enters a crucial period of the campaign.

McConnell’s breakthrough season was recently rewarded with a senior Scotland debut against the USA during the Quilter Nations Series, where his impressive outing earned him high praise from the international coaching setup.

At club level, McConnell was notably named Investec Player of the Match in the stunning victory over three-time European champions Toulon, a performance characterised by his work rate and defensive grit.

McConnell is the latest in a burgeoning group of homegrown Scottish talent making their mark in the senior capital squad, joining the likes of Ollie Blyth-Lafferty (19), Tom Currie (21), Conor McAlpine (21) and Freddy Douglas (20) in a youth-led evolution at the club.

McConnell’s commitment adds further momentum to the upcoming 1872 Cup double-header against Glasgow Warriors.

With the return leg at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Saturday 27 December, fans are moving fast to secure their seats as Edinburgh aim to break the 40,000 mark at the national stadium once again.

On his deal McConnell said: “I am incredibly proud to extend my time here. Growing up in this city, I only ever wanted to play for Edinburgh. It was always the dream. There is something incredibly special about pulling on this jersey; you aren’t just playing for a club, you’re representing your home.

“To be part of this young crop of Scottish players coming through together is brilliant. We’re all pushing each other every day, and seeing guys like Ollie, Tom, Conor and Freddy step up makes you realise how much potential there is in this squad.

“With the 1872 Cup derbies just around the corner, I couldn’t be more excited. These are the games you grow up watching, and to finally have the chance to feature in them is massive for me and my family. I’m just ready to get stuck in.”

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach, Sean Everitt, added: “Liam’s form at the start of this season has been nothing short of exceptional. He has played with a maturity well beyond his years, and his performance against a side like Toulon showed exactly what he is capable of. He has a very special future ahead of him, both for Edinburgh and for Scotland.

“He is exactly the type of player we want in our squad. A local lad who understands what this club means and has the drive to become a legend here. Liam will be a massive player for us over the 1872 Cup derbies and this crucial block of fixtures. We are thrilled that he sees his future here in the capital.”