Edinburgh have announced the signing of centre Riley Higgins, who will join the United Rugby Championship (URC) club from Super Rugby Pacific outfit the Hurricanes.
The Scottish-qualified 23-year-old is joining the capital side on a three-year deal from next season, subject to visa, as Sean Everitt’s men look to strengthen their midfield.
Edinburgh revealed that they have seen off competition from a number of English, Japanese and New Zealand teams to secure the signature of Higgins who they rate highly.
Scottish-qualified
Higgins qualifies for Scotland through his Ayrshire-born grandmother and arrives at Hive Stadium having established himself as a consistent performer in Super Rugby.
He made his Super Rugby debut for the Hurricanes at just 19 years old, earning the rare distinction of playing at that level before he had even turned out in NPC rugby.
In 2024/25, Higgins was called up to the All Blacks XV, starting at inside centre in a 31–13 away win against Georgia, before injury blighted his recent playing time.
Before that, he’d been keeping established Hurricanes including All Black Billy Proctor, as well as Peter Umaga-Jensen and Bailyn Sullivan, out of the starting team.
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On his signing, Higgins said: “I can’t wait to get stuck in with Edinburgh. It is a big move but the challenge of testing myself in a new competition, with such a great team and such passionate fans is very exciting. The club has a great feel to it, and I can’t wait to grow my game with Edinburgh Rugby over the next few years.
“I’m still young and learning but I’m hungry to improve as a player and person on and off the field, and help the team wherever I can in the hope of winning some titles.
“Fans can expect a hard-working player who will never give up, and someone who brings an exciting style of play. I can’t wait to see you all soon!”
Edinburgh head coach, Everitt, added: “Riley is an outstanding talent and this is a significant signing for Edinburgh Rugby. He has already proven himself at the highest level in the southern hemisphere – a player who was keeping All Blacks out of the Hurricanes’ starting line-up before his 24th birthday – and we believe the best is still very much to come from him.
“The fact that he has chosen to turn down a potential All Blacks future, and has rejected higher offers elsewhere, to come to Edinburgh tells you everything about his ambition to succeed in Scotland. We worked enormously hard over many months to get this deal over the line, and I’m delighted we’ve got it done.
“At 23, Riley still has room to grow, and I genuinely believe the best is still to come from him. Alongside guys like Matt Currie and Mosese Tuipulotu, we are building something really exciting in our midfield, and I know our supporters will enjoy watching this group develop together. I can’t wait to have him with us this summer.”
The news comes shortly after Edinburgh announced that centre Mosese Tuipulotu has inked a new two-year deal that will tie him down until at least the summer of 2028.
Tuipulotu, 24, put pen to paper on his new contract after making his return from a serious knee injury last month – a setback that kept him sidelined for 10 months, but has done nothing to dim the centre’s ambition or hunger for success in the capital.
Sense of pride
On signing his new deal, Tuipulotu said: “Representing this club means everything to me. Every time I pull on the Edinburgh jersey there’s a genuine sense of pride – this is a special place and I never take that for granted.
“It’s been a really challenging year. Ten months is a long time to be on the sidelines and there were difficult moments along the way, but the support I’ve had from everyone here – the coaches, the medical team, the players and supporters – has been incredible. I can’t thank the club enough for the way they’ve stuck by me and helped me get back to where I need to be.
“I feel great. I’m getting back to full fitness and really enjoying my rugby again. But honestly, more than anything, I’m just excited about what’s ahead. I still have so much I want to achieve here and I want to be a key part of this team pushing forward and competing at the very top. This is absolutely where I want to be.”