England international hypes incoming Edinburgh signings after signing contract extension

The six-times capped England international arrived from Northampton Saints, where he made almost 200 appearances, in 2024. Although results this season have left them unable to reach the play-offs the 31-year-old still says it was a straightforward decision to extend his stay at the Hive.

Hill is enjoying seeing the emerging talent at the club coming through the ranks and making their mark on the senior team. Not only that, but the quality of players already confirmed to be joining next season also played a part in his decision.

‘I've loved every minute of being here’ - England international Paul Hill signs new two year Edinburgh contract

He said: “I know this year's not been the best for the Gunners, but in terms of the players and the effort and the support of the coaches and everyone around, I think it was definitely straightforward. I've loved every minute of being here.

“It's been really good. I think we've got a really good balance of boys coming through and some senior heads in there. It's a shame that we've left it a bit late in the season to start playing some of our better games, but definitely we're getting a bit of momentum.

“We've got players coming through, people stepping up to the mark, and obvious ones like Hector Patterson, an unbelievable bloke and unbelievable player - the energy he's bringing to the team. Finn Thompson as well in the midfield, and there's a lot of players like that who've been chomping at the bit and can get them involved. I think it's been really positive for the team.”

Edinburgh have confirmed the signing of five new players already ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. Centre Riley Higgins and scrum half Louie Chapman are coming in from Super Rugby franchises Hurricanes and Crusaders respectively while winger Geordie Gwynn will join from Ealing Trailfinders.

Also moving to the Hive are prop Alec Hepburn and fly-half James Grayson, two players that Hill is very familiar with. Both he and Hepburn played for England, with the former Exeter Chief having since switched international allegiances to Scotland, but they were not in squads at the same time.

Hill’s familiarity with his loose-head counterpart comes from having played against him several times throughout his career, most recently when Edinburgh faced Scarlets in the URC. Grayson, on the other hand, is someone he knows very well from their time together at Saints.

“I've played against him [Hepburn] a fair amount. He was at Chiefs for how many years? Yeah, I think I must have played against him eight, ten times. Fantastic player, we played against him last year as well. He's a strong scrummager, moves around the park well, fit as a butcher’s dog, he gets through some work.”

Hill looking forward to reunion with former Northampton Saints teammate next season

On Grayson, the Edinburgh prop said: “Unbelievable bloke, really good player. He obviously left early in the same year I left. I'd be lying if I said I've watched any of his Japanese games.

“I spoke to him and he told me, as he signed a while back, and I was like ‘oh, good to know, get in touch’. I hope to find a good place. I think he's excited to come. He's had some good games under his belt at Northampton and I'd be interested to see how Japan's gone for him.

“It's a very welcoming group here. Sometimes we're a bit harsh, but it knocks the edges off, makes you feel better. It's good, it's a good bunch of lads, I think he'll love it here.”

Asked if the quality of these signings had factored into the decision to extend his Edinburgh contract, Hill added: “It definitely can guide it. I think when you realise there's a lot of players around you who are striving as well. But I think sometimes, you don't know sometimes until people come in, but we've got a lot of boys who are really pushing the boundaries.”

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