Confirming on Thursday that Scott Steele has retired from playing at the age of 30, Edinburgh made official their group of seven departures exiting the URC Scottish franchise at the end of the season.
A groin injury has kept the scrum-half sidelined for the entire 2023/24 campaign, and his name is the latest addition to a list of departures that already includes the likes of Bristol-bound Vilaem Maatta.
A statement read: “Edinburgh have confirmed the seven senior players who will leave the club at the end of the season. WB Neill, Willem Mata, Charlie Savala, Luan De Bruyne, Adam McBurnie, Jamie Campbell and Scott Steele will all leave at the end of the current season.
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Mata (Bristol Bears), Savala (Northampton Saints), De Bruyne (Newcastle Falcons) and McBurnie (Connacht) have all joined new clubs, while Steele announced earlier on Thursday his decision to retire from rugby at the end of the season.
“Double Centurion Neil has confirmed that he will retire from playing at the end of the season in March, while Campbell is set to pursue playing opportunities outside the UK this summer.”
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Head coach Sean Everett said: “I would like to thank all our departing players for their contributions to Edinburgh during their time at the club. They have all been an important part of the team and I wish them all the best in their future endeavours.
“We are grateful for the effort and commitment these players have shown throughout their time at Edinburgh. They have all played a part in the team’s success and we will miss them greatly at the club for what they have provided as individuals and players.
“On behalf of everyone at Edinburgh, I would like to thank our seven departing players for their hard work and dedication. They have all been a pleasure to work with and they will still have big roles to play as we aim to finish the season on a high note.
