The signing represents one of the most significant pieces of recruitment in Edinburgh Rugby’s recent history.
Higgins is widely regarded as one of the brightest young midfield talents in New Zealand rugby, with the capital side seeing off competition from a number of English, Japanese and New Zealand clubs to secure his signature.
Higgins qualifies for Scotland through his Ayrshire-born grandmother and arrives at Hive Stadium having established himself as a consistent performer in one of Super Rugby Pacific’s most competitive midfields.
Having been a standout performer for New Zealand U20 in 2021/22, Higgins 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 featured in NPC rugby.
He went on to win his first NPC title with Wellington shortly after turning 20, before adding a second in 2023/24.
In 2024/25, Higgins was called up to the All Blacks XV, starting at inside centre in a 31–13 away victory over Georgia – a performance that further underlined his growing reputation within New Zealand rugby.
Before an injury curtailed his season, he had been keeping established Hurricanes names including All Black Billy Proctor, as well as Peter Umaga-Jensen and Bailyn Sullivan, out of the starting XV.
Higgins can operate at 12 and 13, as well as on the wing, and will add real depth and competition to an Edinburgh midfield that already includes Matt Currie and Mosese Tuipulotu – both 24 – alongside promising academy centres Findlay Thompson (21), Henry Kesterton (19) and Ross Wolfenden (20).
The centre is the younger brother of Kienan Higgins, who joined Edinburgh on a short loan spell earlier this year, and arrives having been named in the Hurricanes squad for the 2026 Super Rugby campaign – with the Wellington side currently top of the standings.
On his signing, Higgins said: “I can’t wait to get stuck in with Edinburgh. It’s 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 Rugby Head Coach, Sean 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 lineup 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.”