Edinburgh sign Scottish-qualified scrum-half Chapman

[Getty Images]

Scottish-qualified scrum-half Louie Chapman can "push for the highest level" after the Crusaders man became Edinburgh's latest recruit.

The 25-year-old is Edinburgh's third signing in the past week, following Hurricanes centre Riley Higgins and Scotland U20 back Geordie Gwynn from Ealing Trailfinders.

Chapman qualifies for Scotland through his grandmother and has played five times for Crusaders in Super Rugby this season.

He is expected to move to Edinburgh in the autumn, after Canterbury's Bunnings NPC campaign comes to a close.

"I'm so excited to be joining Edinburgh – a club with such a rich history and a real identity," Chapman said.

"I've been doing my research and the more I've learned about the place, the culture and what the club means to this city, the more I can't wait to get there and be a part of it.

"I'm looking forward to meeting the boys, getting to know the fans and really throwing myself into everything that comes with playing in Scotland. It's going to be a brilliant experience and I just want to get stuck in and contribute as quickly as I can."

Edinburgh Rugby head coach, Sean Everitt, added: "We're really excited to welcome Louie to Edinburgh. He has a huge amount of potential, but what stands out when you watch him is the maturity he brings - the control, the decision-making, the way he manages the game with tempo.

"Those aren't attributes that come by accident, and for a player still on the right side of 26 who has developed in that Crusaders environment, they tell you a great deal about his ceiling.

"He's Scottish-qualified, which adds another layer to this signing. We want players who see Edinburgh as a place where they can grow and push for the highest level. Louie is someone who fits that profile.

"He will come in and challenge our existing scrum-halves, and that competition will make everyone better. He's another high-quality addition to a squad we are building with real intent."