Edinburgh announce signing of Scotland prop Alec Hepburn

Edinburgh have continued their rebuild for next season by announcing the impending arrival of Scotland prop Alec Hepburn on a two-year contract.

The 33-year-old will move to Hive Stadium in the summer after spending the past two seasons with Scarlets.

Australia-born Hepburn won six caps for England in 2018 before switching his allegiance to Scotland just over two years ago. The former Exeter loosehead has represented the nation of his father’s birth six times since his debut in the 2024 Six Nations.

Hepburn told the Edinburgh website: “I’m very excited to be joining Edinburgh.

“It’s nice to know a few of the guys already. Getting the chance to work week in and week out with them will hopefully bring the best out of me and help me prove myself in a different environment.

“I have enjoyed Edinburgh every time I’ve been there and look forward to calling it home for the foreseeable future.”

Hepburn is the fourth new signing to be announced by Edinburgh, with backs Louie Chapman, Riley Higgins and Geordie Gwynn all on board for next season. Edinburgh have also been linked with Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars stand-off James Grayson.

Head coach Sean Everitt said: “We’re really pleased to be adding a player of Alec’s calibre to our squad.

“He’s a seasoned international loosehead who has operated at the highest level throughout his career – Champions Cup finals, Premiership titles, Six Nations. That kind of experience and knowledge is invaluable in any group.

“Alec strengthens the depth we have in an important position and adds genuine competition for places, which can only drive standards higher.

“Having someone of his background in our changing room will also be hugely beneficial for the younger props coming through. That blend of quality and leadership is exactly what we’re looking for as we continue to build.”