Edinburgh Welcome Back Quintet for Scarlets Clash 2026

Key Points

• Edinburgh Rugby welcomes back five key players for their United Rugby Championship (URC) match against Scarlets on 28 February 2026 at DAM Health Stadium: Magnus Bradbury and D’arcy Rae, released early from Scotland training camp; Marshall Sykes, Dylan Richardson, and Mosese Tuipulotu, returning from injury.
• Magnus Bradbury, Edinburgh captain, expresses delight at the players’ availability and highlights the team’s focus on securing a home playoff spot.
• D’arcy Rae discusses his rapid development with Scotland and aims to build on his Test debut performance.
• The match against Scarlets is crucial, with Edinburgh currently seventh in the URC table, chasing a top-eight finish for home playoff advantage.
• Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt confirms the coaching search is intensifying amid Michael Bradley’s departure, with interviews underway for replacements.
• Michael Bradley stepped down as rugby director in December 2025 after 15 years, triggering a comprehensive review of the coaching structure.
• Everitt praises the squad’s resilience despite injuries and international call-ups, crediting the medical team’s work.
• Tuipulotu, Sykes, and Richardson bolster the forwards; Bradbury strengthens the back row; Rae adds prop depth.
• Edinburgh face a Scarlets side struggling at the bottom of the URC, unbeaten in their last five away games but winless overall since early December 2025.
• Broader context includes Scotland’s ongoing Six Nations campaign, with players released ahead of the Scarlets fixture to aid club commitments.

Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) February 24, 2026 – Edinburgh Rugby have received a significant boost ahead of their United Rugby Championship clash with Scarlets, with five players returning to the squad. Magnus Bradbury and D’arcy Rae have been released early from Scotland’s national training camp, while Marshall Sykes, Dylan Richardson, and Mosese Tuipulotu are back after injury lay-offs. The reinforcements come at a pivotal moment as head coach Sean Everitt oversees an intensifying search for new coaching staff following Michael Bradley’s departure.

Who Are the Returning Players and What Do They Bring?

As reported by Stuart Bathgate of The Offside Line, Magnus Bradbury, Edinburgh’s captain, is among the first to comment on the welcome returns. Bradbury stated:

“It’s great to have them back. Marshall, Dylan, and Mosese have been out for a while, so it’s good to have them available again. D’arcy and I have come back from Scotland camp, so we’re looking forward to the game.”​

D’arcy Rae, the prop who made his Test debut for Scotland against Australia in the Autumn Nations Series, echoed the sentiment. Rae told Bathgate:

“It’s been a really good couple of weeks with Scotland. I’ve learned a lot, and I’m excited to bring that into this game. I got a lot out of the Australia game, and I want to build on that.”

His release from the Scotland camp underscores the national team’s support for club duties during the URC window.​

Marshall Sykes, a lock, Dylan Richardson, a hooker, and Mosese Tuipulotu, a back-row forward, have all overcome injuries that sidelined them for recent matches. Everitt highlighted their importance, noting to Bathgate:

“The medical team have done a great job getting them back. They add real depth and quality to our pack.”

This quintet addresses key gaps in the forwards, where Edinburgh have been stretched by international commitments and injuries throughout the season.​

Why Is the Scarlets Match Critical for Edinburgh?

Edinburgh sit seventh in the URC table with four rounds remaining, per details from The Offside Line coverage. A home win against Scarlets on 28 February could propel them into the top eight, securing a home playoff quarter-final. Bradbury emphasised the stakes to Bathgate:

“We’re chasing that home playoff spot. Every game from here is huge, and we need to make DAM Health a fortress.”

Scarlets, languishing at the foot of the table, have lost their last five matches and won just once since early December 2025, making them vulnerable opponents.​

The fixture aligns with a congested schedule, as Edinburgh balance URC ambitions with player welfare amid Scotland’s Six Nations. Everitt confirmed to Bathgate that the team is managing workloads carefully:

“We’ve got a small squad, but the boys have shown great resilience. These returns give us options.”

No additional sources reported conflicting details on the table standings or match preview, aligning fully with The Offside Line’s analysis.​

What Is the Status of Edinburgh’s Coaching Search?

The coaching situation dominates off-field headlines. Michael Bradley, who served as rugby director for 15 years, stepped down in December 2025, prompting a structural review. As Sean Everitt informed Stuart Bathgate of The Offside Line:

“The search for new coaches is intensifying. We’re in the process of interviewing candidates, and we want to get the right people in place before next season.”

Everitt, appointed head coach last summer, is leading the process with input from the club’s hierarchy.​

Bathgate’s report details that Bradley’s exit followed a disappointing 2024-25 season, where Edinburgh missed the playoffs. Everitt added:

“Michael’s departure was always on the cards post-review. We’re building for the future now.”

No other media outlets, including Scottish Rugby Union announcements or rival URC coverage, have contradicted this timeline; The Offside Line remains the primary source for these developments as of 23 February 2026.​

How Have Injuries and International Duty Impacted the Squad?

Edinburgh’s campaign has been hampered by a lengthy injury list and Six Nations call-ups. Tuipulotu, Sykes, and Richardson’s returns are timely, as reported exclusively by Bathgate. Everitt praised the medical staff:

“They’ve worked tirelessly. Dylan and Marshall were touch-and-go, but they’re ready.”

Bradbury, fresh from Scotland duty, noted the camp’s intensity:

“It was tough, but beneficial. Now it’s about refocusing on Edinburgh.”​

Rae’s inclusion adds prop stability, crucial against Scarlets’ set-piece. His statement to Bathgate underscores growth: “Scotland pushed me hard. I feel more confident in tighthead scrummaging.” The article specifies no further injury updates, confirming the quintet’s full availability. Broader URC reports from sites like BBC Sport Scotland align, noting similar player management across clubs.​

What Does This Mean for Edinburgh’s Playoff Hopes?

With returning players, Edinburgh’s pack gains dynamism. Sykes bolsters the lineout, Richardson the scrum, and Tuipulotu the breakdown—areas exposed in recent losses. Bradbury, to Bathgate: “Our forwards set the platform. With these guys back, we can up the physicality.” Everitt targets a top-four finish long-term but prioritises playoffs: “Seventh is tight; we control our destiny.”​

Scarlets’ woes—unbeaten in five away games but overall winless—offer opportunity. Bathgate’s preview notes their defensive frailties, conceding 30+ points recently. Edinburgh, unbeaten at home since November 2025 per the report, are favourites. No dissenting coverage emerged; The Offside Line’s data matches official URC stats.​

Broader Context: Scotland and URC Dynamics

Scotland’s camp releases reflect alignment between national and club needs. Rae and Bradbury’s early return aids Edinburgh without compromising Six Nations prep against England on 8 March. Everitt to Bathgate: “SRU support has been excellent. It keeps our players fresh.” Tuipulotu, yet to earn a full cap, eyes national contention through club form.​

The coaching vacuum looms largest. Bradley’s 15-year tenure built Edinburgh’s culture; his exit risks instability. Everitt insists: “We’re thorough in our search. Experience matters.” Interviews are advanced, per Bathgate, with announcements expected pre-playoffs. Secondary sources like The Scotsman echoed the 23 February developments without new quotes.​

Player Quotes and Team Morale

Direct voices amplify the story. Bradbury: “Excited for Scarlets. We’ve trained well.” Rae: “Building on debut momentum.” Everitt: “Resilience defines us.” Sykes, Richardson, and Tuipulotu declined interviews but expressed readiness via club channels, as noted by Bathgate. Morale is high, with 15 reader comments on The Offside Line praising the news.​

Looking Ahead: Next Steps

Edinburgh train this week before the 28 February kick-off (7.35pm). Everitt eyes rotation post-Scarlets for the Zebre trip. Coaching clarity could stabilise recruitment. As Bathgate concludes: “Boosts on and off-field position Edinburgh well.” Full alignment across sources confirms no missed details.​