'Edinburgh is home for me': Bradbury relishing return to the capital

Magnus Bradbury is relishing the prospect of heading “home” this summer after agreeing to return to Edinburgh two years after he departed for Bristol Bears.

It was announced on Tuesday that the 28-year-old back-rower, who made more than 100 appearances in his previous eight-year stint in the Scottish capital, has penned a deal that will keep him at the Hive Stadium until 2026.

“Edinburgh is home for me,” Bradbury told the Edinburgh website. “I love the club, so I’m really excited to return this summer.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Bristol. It’s been a great move for me, and it’s allowed me to grow and develop as a player in a new environment – and we can still achieve great things this season, which I’m fully focused on.

“However, when the opportunity to move back to Edinburgh came about, and with the direction the club is moving in, it felt like unfinished business. I’m relishing the chance to wear the castle on my chest once again and represent a city and supporters that mean so much to me.”

Bradbury won the last of his 19 Scotland caps against Argentina on the 2022 summer tour of South America, although he was given hope of adding to that haul when he earned a recall to Gregor Townsend’s squad midway through the Six Nations earlier this year.

Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt is excited about adding the in-form number eight to his squad for next term.

“Magnus is a quality player in his absolute prime,” he said. “He’s been one of Bristol Bears’ most consistent performers this campaign, playing week in, week out for a side in top form.

“With Bill Mata moving on at the end of the season, it was imperative that we recruited well in that position.

“Magnus can come in and anchor our pack from the get-go, while his obvious connection and history with the club, and relationship with a lot of players in this squad, means he can slot in seamlessly.

“With Magnus returning, and further exciting signings and re-signings still to be announced, things are shaping up nicely for next season, with our hopes of reaching the URC play-offs and securing Champions Cup rugby still very much in our own hands.”