'It’s a privilege to be given this opportunity': Edinburgh sign experienced hooker on short-term deal

Edinburgh Rugby have confirmed the signing of experienced hooker Tom Cruse on a short-term deal.

Cruse joins the club with immediate effect, having left Wasps after the English Premiership side entered administration last month. The former Sale Sharks and London Irish front-row adds further experience and cover for Edinburgh’s stable of hookers, with both Adam McBurney and Dave Cherry expected to miss time through injury.

“Edinburgh is an amazing club with great coaching staff and an exciting squad of players,” Cruse said. “The chance to come up and experience a different competition is one I’m looking forward to, along with living in an incredible city. It’s a privilege to be given this opportunity and one I cannot wait to get stuck into.”

Having come through Sale Sharks’ academy – where he made his professional debut in 2012 – Cruse made his breakthrough at Rotherham Titans where he scored 11 tries in 44 appearances. His Championship form earned him a move to the English Premiership, with London Irish in 2015/16. Cruse moved to Wasps a season later, where he developed into one of the most consistent and mobile hookers in England’s top flight, scoring 21 tries in 114 appearances.

Tom Cruse (pictured) has joined Edinburgh Rugby on a short-term deal

Edinburgh coach Mike Blair added: “We’re delighted to bring in Tom on a short-term deal – he’s an experienced player whose played consistently at a high level for a long time.“With Adam and Dave both side-lined for a short period, the addition of Tom is vital as we return to action and compete in both the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup.”