Edinburgh Rugby confirm signing of potential Scotland scrum-half and line up son of former World Cup winner

The capital club have also been linked with stand-off James Grayson, son of former England internationalist Paul, who won the World Cup in 2003.

It was revealed last week that Chapman, who is currently at Canterbury Crusaders, had agreed terms with Edinburgh. The New Zealand-born 25-year-old, who qualifies for Scotland through his Elgin-born grandmother, is set to move to the Hive Stadium “around autumn with the timeline dependent on Canterbury’s progress” in their domestic campaign.

“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,” said Chapman. “I’m looking forward to meeting the boys, getting to know the fans and really throwing myself into everything that comes with playing in Scotland. It’s going to be a brilliant experience and I just want to get stuck in and contribute as quickly as I can.”

Chapman will compete with co-captain Ben Vellacott and Charlie Shiel for the No 9 shirt and they are set to have a new fly-half in their ranks should a deal be concluded for Grayson, who is currently at Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars in Japan.

Edinburgh let Ben Healy go earlier in this season, so Ross Thompson and Cammy Scott their only options at No 10. Grayson, 27, has been in Japan for the past three seasons after leaving Northampton Saints. He can also cover at full-back.

As well as Chapman, Hurricanes centre Riley Higgins and Ealing Trailfinders back Geordie Gwynn are confirmed as joining the club in the summer.

On the arrival of Chapman, Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt said: “We’re really excited to welcome Louie to Edinburgh. He has a huge amount of potential, but what stands out when you watch him is the maturity he brings – the control, the decision-making, the way he manages the game with tempo.

“Those aren’t attributes that come by accident, and for a player still on the right side of 26 who has developed in that Crusaders environment, they tell you a great deal about his ceiling.

“He’s Scottish-qualified, which adds another layer to this signing. We want players who see Edinburgh as a place where they can grow and push for the highest level. Louie is someone who fits that profile.

“He will come in and challenge our existing scrum-halves, and that competition will make everyone better. He’s another high-quality addition to a squad we are building with real intent.”

Edinburgh have also announced that back-three specialist Jack Brown has signed first professional deal with the club. The 20-year-old has made ten senior appearances this season.