Ben Toolis and Edinburgh to part ways

Planet Rugby

Long-serving second-row Ben Toolis will leave Edinburgh at the end of the 2021/22 campaign to further his career at a Japanese club.

The Scotland international, who has been playing for Edinburgh since 2013, is currently sidelined through injury and will move on at the end of his ninth and final season at the Scottish capital outfit.

Toolis revealed that he is keen for a fresh challenge and also wants to be closer to his native Australia.

New beginnings

He told Edinburgh’s official website: “I’m moving on at the end of the season because I partly want to experience something new, but also move closer to home.

“When a new opportunity arose in Japan, I was so excited at the prospect of that experience, but the idea of leaving Edinburgh after nine years was also daunting.

“However, I decided that it’s the perfect time in my rugby career to experience something new and challenge myself in a different culture and environment.”

The 29-year-old, who has made 127 appearances for Edinburgh and won 26 international caps, declared his time in Scotland a success.

He said: “When I joined the club in 2013, I was so nervous to uproot my life and move across the world but I was also extremely hopeful that a career in professional rugby would be all that I imagined.

“I’m pleased to say that my time at Edinburgh has completely surpassed all my expectations. I am extremely fortunate to have been part of this historic club and to have played over 100 games for Edinburgh is a huge honour for me and it’s something I am extremely proud of.

“I have been so lucky to explore and play in so many different countries and stadiums during my tenure at Edinburgh but receiving my 100th cap at BT Murrayfield in our 1872 Cup win (in 2018) was something I’ll never forget.

“However, the biggest highlight of my career so far is the people I have met and the friendships that I have formed. The Edinburgh boys have really made my last nine years such an enjoyable experience.”

Toolis is currently recovering from a knee injury and has not featured for Edinburgh since June. However, he is hoping to return to action early in 2022 before his move to Japan.

He said: “The past year has been extremely tough both mentally and physically due to injury. There have been a few hiccups and delays along the way but I hope to be back very soon.

“I want to finish my time at Rugby on a high and contribute in any way I can to help continue the momentum the club has built so far this season. I hope to pull the Edinburgh jersey on as much as I can and play for my teammates and fans.”

Ali Price signs up for more at Glasgow Warriors

Meanwhile, Scotland, Lions and Glasgow Warriors scrum-half has put pen to paper on a new deal at the United Rugby Championship outfit, it was announced on Thursday.

28-year-old Price, who recently hit 100 games for Glasgow, has set a target to continue establishing himself as one of the best number nines on the planet.

Price, who turned out for the British & Irish Lions this year, believes he has further scope to take his game to new heights after inking a one-year contract.