Edinburgh Rugby have confirmed that Ross Thompson will join the club, and arrives ahead of the 2024/25 united Rugby Championship season from Scottish rivals Glasgow Warriors. Thompson heads back to his home city after four seasons in Glasgow, in a stint that took him to three Scottish test match caps.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Edinburgh next season.” Thompson said to Edinburgh Rugby. “I’m very grateful to Glasgow Warriors for the opportunities that I’ve had which have allowed me to develop as a player and I’ve really enjoyed my time at the club.
“However the chance to challenge myself in a new environment and hearing the way the Edinburgh players speak about the club, I know it’s a great team to be a part of. It’s clear to see the potential that the squad has and I’m excited about contributing towards that. The fact that I get to represent the city I grew up in makes the move extra special for me.
He continued: “I’ve had the chance to play alongside a lot of the players at Edinburgh already. I played with Connor [Boyle] and Hodgy [Jamie Hodgson] at school, so it will be fun to get the chance to play alongside them again.
“I’ve seen how well they have done at Edinburgh which is great. I’ve also played with other players at U20 level through to recent Scotland camps I have been a part of, so hopefully it will make the move that bit easier knowing I’m already familiar with a lot of the players.”
Thompson played all his school rugby in Edinburgh before moving west to study Law at The University of Glasgow. It was there Thompson joined up with Glasgow Hawks, where he was ultimately recognised for his form at club level with a call-up to the Scotland U20 squad ahead of the 2019 U20 Six Nations.
Thompson joined Glasgow Warriors ahead of the 2020/21 campaign, making his professional debut in the 10-7 defeat to Edinburgh Rugby at Scottish Gas Murrayfield. He would go on to become the third fastest player to reach 100 points in Warriors’ history and is one of only four players to break the 100-point mark in their debut season at Scotstoun.
Thompson then won both Young Player of the Season and Player of the Season in only his second season in professional rugby with the Warriors and has made 48 appearances for the Glasgow club to date – making his Test debut against Tonga in 2021.
Thompson continued: “Personally, I want to continue improve as a player and get the most out of myself and I believe that being at Edinburgh is the right place for that.
“Having spoken to Sean [Everitt], I think his philosophy of the game and the way Edinburgh are looking to play will suit my skill set. I know that everyone at the club has big ambitions and I want to try to contribute as much as I can on and off the field towards that.”
Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach, Sean Everitt, said: “We’re thrilled to confirm the signing of Ross. He’s a really smart player with a great understanding of the game. He’s a strong decision-maker and a real threat with the ball in hand.
“His signing adds real competition for places in the number 10 jersey, which will ultimately benefit the entire squad.”
He added: “Ross is talented young player who has gained valuable experience at Glasgow Warriors. He is a proven goal-kicker and a fine game manager.
“We’re confident he will thrive in our environment and contribute significantly to the team next season.”