Every foreign-born Scotland player, as another New Zealander swaps nations

Tuesday, 28 April 2026 at 10:30

byCharlie Elliott

Crusaders scrum-half Louie Chapman will join Edinburgh next season on a two-year deal, subject to visa approval.

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The 25-year-old, who qualifies for Scotland through his Elgin-born grandmother, is the club’s third signing in a week, following Hurricanes centre Riley Higgins and Scotland U20 back Geordie Gwynn.

Chapman, a former Head Boy at Christchurch Boys’ High School where he captained the first XV, represented New Zealand Schools and progressed through the Crusaders Junior Knights programme.

He made his senior debut for Tasman Mako in 2020 and went on to make over 40 appearances across six seasons.

His profile rose during the 2024/25 Bunnings NPC season, where he was a near ever-present for Canterbury, starting 10 of 11 matches and scoring five tries as they reached the final.

He debuted for the Crusaders in Super Rugby in 2023 and has made five appearances in the current 2025/26 campaign.

On the move, Chapman said: "I'm so excited to be joining Edinburgh – a club with such a rich history and a real identity. I've been doing my research and the more I've learned about the place, the culture and what the club means to this city, the more I can't wait to get there and be a part of it."

Head coach Sean Everitt added: “We’re really excited to welcome Louie to Edinburgh… the maturity he brings – the control, the decision-making.”

The move marks another foreign-born player who could become eligible for Scotland, and would join the 15 that featured in their Six Nations squad this year who were born outside of Scotland.

Gregor Townsend has made no secret about being happy to pick Scottish-heritage players in the past, and Chapman could be next in line, in a position that needs a bit of depth added.