Ross McKnight grabbed his chance with a hat-trick for Edinburgh 'A' against Saracens in March. Image: Pater WattRoss McKnight grabbed his chance with a hat-trick for Edinburgh ‘A’ against Saracens in March. Image: Pater Watt

ROSS MCKNIGHT has joined Edinburgh Rugby on a one-year academy deal following a successful trial period with the pro team towards the end of last season.

The 23-year-old winger previously spent two years between the summers of 2021 and 2023 in the Glasgow Warriors academy, and played for Stirling Wolves and Watsonians in Super6/Series, scoring 31 tries over six campaigns to be selected in the No 11 jersey in The Offside Line’s all-time Dream Team for the part-time professional league.

McKnight played last season for Stirling County in Arnold Clark National League One, and caught the eye when given game-time for Edinburgh ‘A’ against Saracens last March, scoring a hat-trick of tries. At 6ft 5ins and around 17 stone, he is one of a number of backs in the club game with the physical profile to be worth a closer look by Scotland’s pro teams, and he has developed into a tidier all-round player in recent seasons.

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“I’m buzzing to be joining Edinburgh Rugby full time,” said McKnight, who was schooled at Dollar Academy and played two years for Scotland Under-20s. “I really enjoyed my time in the environment at the back end of last season, and I can’t wait to get going again in a professional rugby environment.”

McKnight most recently enjoyed the taste of success at Howden Melrose Sevens, where he played an instrumental role in helping Shogun Rugby claim their second tournament win in as many years.

Edinburgh head coach added: “We’re really excited for what Ross can bring to our squad. He impressed in the game against Saracens and trained well with the senior team when he joined us on trial.

“Ross shows that there is a lot of talent in the Scottish grassroots system, and there’s a chance for guys to break into professional rugby from those Premiership and National league sides.”

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