Edinburgh: URC side name seven departing players following 2021/22 season

Stan Wilson

Edinburgh have confirmed that seven senior players will be departing from the United Rugby Championship side at the end of this season.

Three players (Ben Toolis, Magnus Bradbury and George Taylor) had already been announced before Tuesday’s confirmation of an additional four leavers was made.

James Johnstone, Ramiro Moyano, Nathan Chamberlain and Sam Grahamslaw will also be parting ways with the Scottish club, bringing the total up to seven, with only one confirmed signing (Sam Skinner from Exeter).

Head coach Mike Blair had kind words to say regarding the leaving players on Edinburgh‘s website.

Business is boss

“First and foremost, it’s important to recognise that every player moving on has given their all to the jersey and we wish them the very best in their future rugby careers,” said Blair.

“It’s a really difficult job balancing the squad and the budget. We can’t keep everyone unfortunately and players move on for different reasons. We hope these players leave with fond memories of the club and feel that they have improved and been challenged.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure coaching them and they’ve all shown great commitment to better themselves and the club since day one.

“Their contributions both on and off the field cannot be understated and we wish them all the best for the future.”

Edinburgh stalwart Toolis will be singing for an unnamed Japanese Top League team after 127 appearances for the Scottish capital-based team. The 26 cap Scotland international has made more appearances in the second-row than anyone in club history, save club captain Grant Gilchrist who has made 172 outings.

Bristol will be the destination for back-row Bradbury, who boasts 111 appearances to his name for Edinburgh. Making his debut at 19, Bradbury graduated from the Scottish Rugby Academy before going on to earn 17 caps for his country.

Former World Series Sevens star Johnstone (68 appearances) debuted for Blair’s side in the 2015/16 season after making a name for himself in 2013 for Scotland sevens. Johnstone went on to compete for his nation at both the Rugby World Cup 7s and the Commonwealth games.

Moyano ends his short stay with Edinburgh after making 13 appearances, scoring nine tries along the way. The Argentine finisher joined the side from Toulon ahead of this season and made his debut in round three versus Stormers.

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