Incoming Edinburgh Rugby signing undergoes surgery with return timeframe laid out

The 23-year-old centre, who was described as “one of the most significant pieces of recruitment in Edinburgh Rugby’s recent history” by the capital club, faces up to a six-month injury lay off according to current side Hurricanes. They also confirmed that the former New Zealand under-20 international has undergone shoulder surgery.

Higgins previously missed the entirety of the 2025 Super Rugby season after suffering a broken leg just 25 minutes into the opening fixture of the campaign. He will now play no further part for Hurricanes this season and will also miss the whole of the 2026 National Provincial Championship (NPC) season, where he would have represented Wellington.

Riley Higgins to miss start of 2026/27 URC season as Edinburgh debut put on hold by injury

“It’s disappointing for Riley and us for his season to finish in the way that it has,” Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw said in a statement. “He’s had a tough couple of years with injuries, so to pick up another injury is super disappointing for him.

“We’ve been able to support him through this period before he takes off and help him with the initial part of his rehab. We feel for him and wish him well with his recovery as he prepares to head offshore.”

Higgins was already expected to miss the early stages of the 2026/27 URC season due to his NPC commitments with Wellington. The Scotsman understands that Higgins went under the knife now, with the blessing of both Hurricanes and Edinburgh, to give him the best chance of being ready to play when he arrives at the Hive in November.

It also rules out any chance of the Scotland-qualified centre making his international debut for Gregor Townsend’s side this year. It’s unclear if he would have been under consideration for this summer’s inaugural Nations Championship fixtures while still attached to the Super Rugby franchise.

The news will come as a huge blow to Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt, who spoke incredibly highly of Higgins when his signing was confirmed last month. At the time, he said: “Riley is an outstanding talent and this is a significant signing for Edinburgh Rugby.

Higgins ‘turned down All Blacks future’ as Scotland call-up awaits highly rated centre

“He has already proven himself at the highest level in the southern hemisphere – a player who was keeping All Blacks out of the Hurricanes’ starting line-up before his 24th birthday – and we believe the best is still very much to come from him.

“The fact that he has chosen to turn down a potential All Blacks future, and has rejected higher offers elsewhere, to come to Edinburgh tells you everything about his ambition to succeed in Scotland. We worked enormously hard over many months to get this deal over the line, and I’m delighted we’ve got it done.

“At 23, Riley still has room to grow, and I genuinely believe the best is still to come from him. Alongside guys like Matt Currie and Mosese Tuipulotu, we are building something really exciting in our midfield, and I know our supporters will enjoy watching this group develop together. I can’t wait to have him with us this summer.”

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