New Edinburgh Rugby captain Magnus Bradbury aiming to 'lead by example'

Edinburgh Rugby centurion Magnus Bradbury is aiming to “lead by example” after being named as the club’s new captain.

Head coach Sean Everitt has handed the 30-year-old Scotland international the armband for the 2025/26 campaign.

Bradbury, who previously spent eight seasons at the Hive Stadium, returned to Edinburgh last year following a two-year spell in England with Bristol Bears.

Speaking after being announced as the new captain on Thursday, he said: “It means a lot, I think being away from Edinburgh for so long made me realise how much I loved it here and how much I wanted to come back and play for the club.

“The chance to captain the club last year when Gilko (Grant Gilchrist) and Benny (Ben Vellacott) were out, was massive for me.

“At the end of the season, Sean asked me if it was something I would consider, and I said ‘absolutely’.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to captain the club.

“I learned a lot during my time down south, there were a couple of guys that I met, and I won’t name names, who wouldn’t stand for things they thought were wrong.

“If you think something is not benefiting the team then you have to call it out.

“So that is something we are going to instil in the leadership group, we have a really strong leadership group here.

“Personally I am just looking to lead by example, that is a big one for me. Because can I call someone out for doing something if I’m not doing my job correctly?

“I know what it takes to be the starting number eight for Edinburgh, and what it looks like to be a good number eight, so If I’m doing that and sticking to the game plan, so I I’m doing that it gives me the ability to call other people out who aren’t doing their jobs.

“So that’s the main thing for me, getting my own game right and then taking it from there.”

Edinburgh Rugby head coach, Everitt said: “We’re thrilled to have Magnus as our captain. As someone who has developed in our academy system, his desire to lead his boyhood club is undeniable, and his deep connection to the city and our supporters was a significant factor in our decision.

“He will have the full support of a great leadership group at the club, who will be there to back his every decision.

“We’re confident that Magnus leading with purpose will help drive this club forward.”