Major Scottish rugby coup as highly-rated New Zealand starlet 'turns down All Blacks future' for Edinburgh switch

The Scottish-qualified former All Blacks under-20 international will join from Super Rugby title chasers Hurricanes. The capital club have described the deal as “one of the most significant pieces of recruitment in Edinburgh Rugby's recent history” and say they have fought off competition from teams in New Zealand, England and Japan for his services.

Higgins, who is eligible to play for Scotland through his Ayrshire-born grandmother, can play at either inside and outside centre as well as on the wing. He has established himself in a Hurricanes side which counts current New Zealand internationals Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor amongst their midfield options.

Edinburgh land ‘outstanding talent’ despite interest from clubs in New Zealand and England

“Riley is an outstanding talent and this is a significant signing for Edinburgh Rugby,” said head coach Sean Everitt. “He has already proven himself at the highest level in the southern hemisphere – a player who was keeping All Blacks out of the Hurricanes' starting lineup before his 24th birthday – and we believe the best is still very much to come from him.

"The fact that he has chosen to turn down a potential All Blacks future, and has rejected higher offers elsewhere, to come to Edinburgh tells you everything about his ambition to succeed in Scotland. We worked enormously hard over many months to get this deal over the line, and I'm delighted we've got it done.

“At 23, Riley still has room to grow, and I genuinely believe the best is still to come from him. Alongside guys like Matt Currie and Mosese Tuipulotu, we are building something really exciting in our midfield, and I know our supporters will enjoy watching this group develop together. I can't wait to have him with us this summer."

New Edinburgh signing ‘can’t wait to get stuck in’ when he arrives at the Hive next season

Higgins made his Super Rugby debut for the Hurricanes aged just 19 and went on to win his first NPC title with Wellington after turning 20-years old. He has been capped by New Zealand at under-20 level and was called up to the All Blacks XV last season, starting at inside centre in a 31–13 victory over Georgia.

His surname will be a familiar one to Edinburgh fans, being the younger brother of Kienan Higgins, who joined the club on a short loan spell earlier this year.

On his signing, Higgins said: "I can't wait to get stuck in with Edinburgh. It's a big move but the challenge of testing myself in a new competition, with such a great team and such passionate fans is very exciting. The club has a great feel to it, and I can't wait to grow my game with Edinburgh Rugby over the next few years.

"I'm still young and learning but I'm hungry to improve as a player and person on and off the field, and help the team wherever I can in the hope of winning some titles.

“Fans can expect a hard-working player who will never give up, and someone who brings an exciting style of play.”

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