The son of former England stand-off Paul Grayson (a member of the 2003 World Cup winning squad) arrives at Hive Stadium with extensive experience from playing in both England and Japan, having made close to 100 appearances and scored over 600 points for boyhood club Northampton Saints before moving to the J-League in 2023, where he has made 48 appearances for Mitsubishi Dynaboars and scored 294 points.
“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,” said Grayson, who can also play full-back.
“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.”
Grayson represented England from U16 through to U20 level, featuring in the 2017 and 2018 U20 Six Nations campaigns, including a defeat to Scotland at Myreside, when he lined up against future Edinburgh team-mates Ross Thompson and Marshall Sykes in the home side.
Edinburgh Rugby head coach, Sean Everitt, added: “We’re really pleased to add James to the group. 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.
“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.”