Edinburgh 2025/26 Senior men's leavers announced.

Edinburgh Rugby today confirmed nine senior men's players to depart the club at the end of the season.

Hamish Watson, Boan Venter, James Lang, Charlie Shiel, Ben Healy, Sam Skinner, Angus Williams, Ross McCann and Mikey Jones will all move on at the end of the current campaign.

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach, Sean Everitt, said: “As the season draws to a close, we say farewell to a group of players who have each given so much to this club.

“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.”

He added: “Tomorrow night is a huge occasion for our supporters, and we’d love to end the season with a fourth straight win. 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.”

Edinburgh Rugby is asking all supporters to stay behind at full-time tomorrow night for the annual Lap of Thanks, as the players take a moment to show their appreciation for the fans’ incredible supporting in the club in record numbers once again.

A full list of the club’s leavers can be found below.

2025/26 LEAVERS

Hamish Watson | Edinburgh player #1146 | 181 appearances | 22 tries

One of the most decorated players in Edinburgh Rugby history, Hamish Watson departs the club having established himself as a true legend of the Scottish capital.

The combative openside flanker has been a cornerstone of the Edinburgh back-row for over a decade, earning a reputation as one of the most dynamic breakdown operators in European rugby.

He made his Scotland debut in the 2015 Six Nations and never looked back, going on to become one of the most decoropenside flankers the club has ever produced.

A British & Irish Lion in 2021 and Six Nations Player of the Championship in the same year, Watson made over 150 appearances for Edinburgh in a widely celebrated professional career.

He is currently on loan to Leicester Tigers, the club where his career first began.

Boan Venter | Edinburgh player #1288  | 107 appearances | 21 tries

South African loosehead prop Boan Venter joined Edinburgh Rugby from the Cheetahs ahead of the 2021/22 season, having come through the Free State system.

A club centurion, Venter became a firm favourite with Edinburgh supporters – his abrasive carrying and eye for the try line made him a constant threat, highlighted by a memorable hat-trick away to Ospreys in January 2022.

His performances at Edinburgh ultimately earned him a first senior cap for South Africa in 2025, capping a remarkable personal journey since his arrival in Scotland. Venter will join Emirates Lions at the end of the season.

James Lang | Edinburgh player #1300 | 90 appearances | 6 tries

James Lang joined Edinburgh Rugby in the summer of 2021 following five seasons at Harlequins.

Lang – who received his first Scotland senior cap against Canada in June 2018 – brought experience, composure and real versatility to the Edinburgh backline across his time in the Scottish capital.

A skilful player and consistent try-scoring threat, his 99-metre intercept try away to the DHL Stormers in Cape Town this season will live long in Edinburgh fans’ memories.

Lang departs this summer with his next club destination yet to be confirmed.

Charlie Shiel | Edinburgh player #1262 | 93 appearances | 10 tries

Scrum-half Charlie Shiel is part of a remarkable Edinburgh rugby lineage – son of former capital captain, Graham Shiel and grandson of Scotland great Dougie Morgan.

Born in Melrose and educated at the Royal High School in Edinburgh, Shiel came through the club’s academy and has been part of the Edinburgh setup since 2017

Shiel has been a committed servant to the capital club across a lengthy association. His length-of-the-field solo try away to Connacht last year – a moment that kept Edinburgh’s season alive – will be remembered by supporters for years to come. His next club destination is yet to be confirmed.

Sam Skinner | Edinburgh player #1314 | 47 appearances | 5 tries

Scotland lock Sam Skinner joined Edinburgh Rugby from Exeter Chiefs in 2022, arriving in the capital as a two-time Premiership champion and European Champions Cup winner from the Chiefs’ trophy-laden era.

Born in Exeter but qualifying for Scotland through his father – who hails from Ayr – Skinner made his Scotland debut in 2018 and has gone on to earn considerable international recognition.

A powerful and versatile operator across the engine room and back row, Skinner brought genuine quality and experience to the Edinburgh pack.

His next club destination is yet to be confirmed.

Ben Healy | Edinburgh player #1322 | 42 appearances | 289 points

URC Champion and fly-half Ben Healy joined Edinburgh Rugby from Munster ahead of the 2023/24 season.

His first season in Edinburgh saw him play almost every minute of action, earning his Scotland debut in 2023, while his last-minute drop goal to beat Connacht in November 2023 had Hive Stadium on its feet.

He is currently on loan at Newcastle Red Bulls.

Angus Williams | Edinburgh player #1289 | 31 appearances

Tighthead prop Angus Williams made his Edinburgh Rugby debut from the bench in the away victory over Connacht in March 2021, having previously been part of the Watsonians set-up.

Born and raised in Whitianga on New Zealand’s North Island, and Scottish qualified through his Edinburgh-born mother, Williams attended St Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton before undertaking two degrees – in Physical Education, Exercise and Sports Science – prior to his move to the Scottish capital.

A quiet but incredibly professional presence throughout his time at the club, Williams has yet to confirm his next destination.

Ross McCann | Edinburgh player #1323 | 16 appearances | 2 tries

Edinburgh-born winger Ross McCann arrived at his hometown club in October 2023 following a decorated career on the sevens circuit, representing Scotland 7s and Great Britain – including at the Tokyo Olympics and Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

His form for Edinburgh earned him a senior Scotland debut against Canada in July 2024, completing a remarkable journey from schoolboy rugby at the Royal High School to full international honours.

McCann is currently rehabbing a groin injury sustained while playing for GB Sevens.

Mikey Jones | Edinburgh player #1332 | 5 appearances

Loosehead prop Mikey Jones started his rugby journey at Lasswade RFC at the age of five, going on to attend Lasswade High School before completing his schooling at Stewart’s Melville College.

Jones made his Edinburgh Rugby debut in April 2024 against Bayonne in the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16, coming on as a replacement.

Jones represented Scotland at U16 and U18 level and is also a notable multi-sport athlete, having competed at national level in the shot put.