Scrum-half Charlie Shiel signs contract extension at Edinburgh

Edinburgh Rugby scrum-half Charlie Shiel today penned a one-year extension with the club.

The 25-year-old, who made his 50^th appearance this season in the 150^th anniversary 1872 Cup clash at Murrayfield, is a third generation Edinburgh Rugby player, following in the footsteps of father Graham Shiel, and grandfather Dougie Morgan.

A product of Royal High School and Currie Chieftains, Shiel has featured 14 times this season, playing a key role in away wins at Zebre Parma and Cardiff Rugby in the United Rugby Championship, as well as Castres Olympique in the Heineken Champions Cup.

His most impressive display this past season came in defeat against Cell C Sharks, sparking the attack from the bench, making 87 metres from three line breaks, and beating six defenders in an electric performance.

After signing the deal, which was announced on Tuesday, Shiel said: “I’m really thrilled to be staying at my boyhood club.

“We have a special group of players and are a tightknit squad. It’s always an honour to pull on the Edinburgh jersey and represent this city and our supporters.

“We’ve got a great nines group at the club who all push each other on. Working with guys like Ben [Vellacott], and then next season Scott [Steele] only improves your game. I relish the competition and will be pushing to start for the club once again next year.

“Running out at home in front of the Edinburgh fans is always an amazing experience. There is a real connection to our fanbase and I already can’t wait to kick on next season.”

Shiel made his pro debut from the bench against Southern Kings in January 2019, having penned his first deal with the club in March 2018.

He has represented Edinburgh at U16, U17 and U18 levels, as well as Scotland at U18 and U20, with the scrum-half scoring a last-gasp winner against the Junior Wallabies in 2017 to help Scotland U20 to a best-ever fifth-place finish at the 2017 World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia.

Shiel received his first call up to the senior Scotland squad in February 2021 where he was part of the training squad for the Six Nations Championship. He has also featured in three competitions for the Scotland Men’s 7s side.

Head Coach Mike Blair, added: “We’ve seen a lot of growth from Charlie this past season so we’re delighted to see him re-sign.

“He brings a real spark and energy every time he plays, while his game management, decision-making and tactical kicking are only getting better with every senior game he plays.”