Borderer Hector Patterson agrees new contract with Edinburgh six months after signing first pro deal there
Hawick’s Hector Patterson has agreed a new deal with United Rugby Championship club Edinburgh six months on from signing his first professional contract there.
Patterson’s commitment of his future to the Hive Stadium outfit until summer 2028 follows fellow Borders-born scrum-half Charlie Shiel moving on to French Pro D2 side Biarritz Olympique after ten years at Edinburgh and reports over recent months of English clubs being interested in signing him up.
The 21-year-old, son of former Scotland and Edinburgh No 9 Derrick Patterson, is delighted to have been offered an improved deal to remain part of head coach Sean Everitt’s squad, saying: “I’m really proud to have signed a new deal with Edinburgh.
“This is my club and I honestly didn’t want to be anywhere else.
“I’m happy to get it out of the way and done so I can focus on my rugby more than anything.
“I’m happy to be staying at the club. I’ve always wanted to play here and I’ve been really happy with the way things have been going at the start of the season, so long may that continue.
“I was always going to stay here, so I’m happy it’s out of the way and I can just fully focus and knuckle down and hope to keep the nine jersey here.
“It never crossed my mind to leave here.
“I love the direction we’re heading in this season and the attacking style that’s been brought in suits the way I want to play.
“We’ve got a great group of young players coming through, alongside some really experienced guys who do a brilliant job of leading the squad.
“It’s an exciting time to be at Edinburgh.
“There’s a lot ahead of us and I can’t wait to be part of it.”
Everitt, 56, is equally glad to have secured Patterson’s services for the foreseeable future, adding: “We’re delighted to get this deal over the line.
“Hector has a huge amount of potential. He’s gutsy and he cares about winning.
“We think he can be a big player for this club for years to come.
“There are plenty of young players putting their hands up in this team and we’re excited to see what Hector can achieve as part of it.”
Former Scotland under-20 international Patterson has made eight appearances for Edinburgh, all starts, scoring three tries, since joining their academy in June 2023.
He’s started their last eight games on the bounce, their first four this season after four at the end of last term.
The former included wins away to Ulster in September and at home to South Africa’s Stormers and on the road in Italy versus Zebre Parma this month, followed by a 27-17 defeat hosting France’s Toulon last Friday.
The latter also consisted of three victories – at home to Parma and South Africa’s Sharks in April and away to Welsh side Dragons in May – with a loss following, hosting Connacht in May.
Patterson is one of a handful of Borderers among the capital city club’s seniors, the others being Hawick’s Darcy Graham, Jedburgh’s Glen Young, Peebles’ Patrick Harrison and Melrose’s Harri Morris.
They’re joined by Peebles’ Ross Wolfenden and Rory McHaffie, Kelso’s Jack Utterson, Gala’s Nairn Moncrieff and Melrose’s Ben White in the club’s academy.
Edinburgh’s next game is at home to South Africans Lions this Friday, with kick-off at 7.45pm.