Edinburgh confirm signing of 'impressive' fly-half as contract details emerge

The 27-year-old returns to the UK after three seasons in Japan with Mitsubishi Dynaboars, having began his career with Gallagher Premiership side Northampton Saints. A former England under-20 international, the son of the former Rugby World Cup winning England stand off Paul Grayson is set to provide competition for the 10 jersey at the Hive next season.

"We're really pleased to add James to the group,” said Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt. “He's an impressive player – someone who reads the game well and brings a real quality with the boot, both from hand and at goal.

‘Competition for places’ set to benefit Edinburgh next season

“He's played a huge amount of rugby at a high level, first with Northampton in the Premiership and then across three seasons in Japan, and we think that experience will allow him to hit the ground running when he arrives.

“He'll come in and challenge for the ten jersey, and that competition for places will be good for the squad."

Grayson, who can also play at full-back, made over 100 appearances for Saints before his move to Japan in 2023. His first full season in Japan Rugby League One was his most prolific, starting every league game and scoring 148 points in 15 appearances.

On the move, Grayson said: "I'm delighted to have signed with Edinburgh for next season. After three years overseas, the time feels right to return closer to home, and the opportunity to play in the URC was a big factor in my decision.

"It's also a special moment for me and my family – my great granny was a very proud Scottish lady, and I know she would have been delighted to see me make this move.

"I'm really looking forward to getting started, competing with the squad, and creating special memories in front of the supporters.

“Having watched a number of games, the Hive looks to have an incredible atmosphere, and I'm excited to experience that for myself.”

Edinburgh rebuild continues as capital club confirm fifth signing for 2026/27 season

Grayson becomes the fifth player confirmed to be joining Edinburgh next season, with the capital club already well into their rebuild for the 2026/27 season. Scottish-qualified New Zealanders Riley Higgins and Louie Chapman will join from Super Rugby sides Hurricanes and Crusaders respectively.

Scotland international prop Alec Hepburn will also be moving to the Hive from URC rivals Scarlets. Emerging Scotland winger Geordie Gwynn has also agreed to sign from Ealing Trailfinders.

On top of that, Edinburgh have also been securing many of their young talents to their first senior contracts including Jack Brown, Hector Patterson and brothers Jerry and Ollie Blyth-Lafferty. The capital club have also secured the futures of current first-team regulars including experienced lock Grant Gilchrist and centre Mosese Tuipulotu.

Grayson, a product of England's age-grade pathway, represented his country from U-16 through to U-20 level. He featured in the 2017 and 2018 U-20 Six Nations campaigns, including a defeat to Scotland at Myreside – a match that also featured future Edinburgh team-mates Ross Thompson and Marshall Sykes in the home side.

At Northampton, the fly half progressed from academy graduate to a regular presence in the Premiership squad across seven seasons, accumulating over 600 points across top-flight, European and Cup competition.

Your next rugby read: Prop who played for Scotland and England joins Edinburgh Rugby