British & Irish Lion to exit Edinburgh along with four other Scotland internationals and Springbok cap
Hamish Watson heads up list of Edinburgh rugby players leaving club
Edinburgh rugby have confirmed that nine first team players will leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of the current campaign.
British & Irish Lion cap Hamish Watson heads up the list with the 34-year-old flanker currently out on loan at Gallagher Premiership side Leicester Tigers. He is joined by fellow Scotland internationals Sam Skinner, James Lang, Ben Healy and Ross McCann.
Scrum half Charlie Shie plus props Angus Williams and Mikey Jones round out the list along with South African international Boan Venter. The 29-year-old agreed a move to URC rivals Lions back in December and will play his final game for the capital club against Connacht on Friday night.
Hamish Watson and four other Scotland internationals to leave Edinburgh
"As the season draws to a close, we say farewell to a group of players who have each given so much to this club,” said head coach Sean Everitt. "Every one of them has given their all for the jersey, and I want to express my sincere gratitude for the commitment and passion they've shown for Edinburgh Rugby. We wish them nothing but the very best in the next stage of their careers.
"We obviously want to give a special mention to Hamish Watson – an all-time Edinburgh legend and one of the finest players ever to represent this club. We hope he gets back to full fitness soon and has every opportunity to challenge for silverware with Leicester Tigers at the end of the season. He deserves that.”
Edinburgh supporters who are attending their final URC fixture of the season at home to Connacht on Friday night are being asked to stay behind after full-time. The departing players will take a moment to show their appreciation for the fans' support and say farewell.
"Tomorrow night is a huge occasion for our supporters, and we'd love to end the season with a fourth straight win,” Everitt added. “But of course, it’s also for the guys who will be leaving us at the end of the campaign. Please do stay behind after the final whistle for our annual lap of thanks. It means the world to the players."
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