TWO of East Lothian’s rising rugby stars have been included in Edinburgh Rugby’s expanded pro-academy intake ahead of the new season.

The club’s academy of promising players has increased from the previous system of 15 ‘Stage Three Academy players’ to a larger group which currently sits at 23 but may expand further and includes several players who will train with both the academy and senior sides through the upcoming campaign.

Centre Findlay Thomson joins from Watsonians after being a central figure for Scotland under-20s in the World Rugby Trophy.

The former Dunbar Grammar School pupil is also studying finance at the University of Glasgow.

He is joined at Hive Stadium by lock Christian Lindsay, of Loretto School, who played for North Berwick Rugby Club in his younger years.

In line with the new Performance Player Pathway announcement from Scottish Rugby earlier this year, the expansion of the pro-academy group will now include players up to the age of under-23.

Findlay Thomson Image: Matteo Ciambelli/Inpho

Findlay Thomson Image: Matteo Ciambelli/Inpho

The expanded set-up allows for the inclusion of later developing players and will further support the ongoing development of homegrown players.

Their playing programme will include expanded Edinburgh ‘A’ team fixtures, related to the Performance Player Pathway, which will be announced at a later date.

There will be a pro-academy and pro player draft which will take place in August and will allow, where appropriate, for pro-academy players to play in the Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership in 2024/25.

Sean Everitt, Edinburgh Rugby head coach, said: “I’m incredibly excited about the expansion of our pro-academy group.

“It’s a testament to the talent coming through our system and a clear indication of our commitment to developing homegrown players.

“With a larger group, we have a fantastic opportunity to nurture these young players and prepare them for the challenges of professional rugby.

“The recent World Rugby under-20 Trophy showcased the potential of our young players. Many of them excelled on the international stage, and it’s thrilling to see them return to Edinburgh with a hunger to develop further.

“This expanded pro-academy group will provide them with the ideal environment to progress their careers.”