Robin 'Bomber' Hislop will return to the club where he started his professional career as an academy player 12 years ago when he joins Edinburgh from Saracens in the summer. The loose-head prop has signed a two-year deal with the capital outfit.
A product of Langholm, Hislop played two seasons for Scotland Under-20s from 2010 to 2012 and captained the age-grade side. He made his Edinburgh debut off the bench in a 15-38 defeat to Cardiff Blues in September 2011 and went on to play 20 games in total before moving to Rotherham Titans in the English Championship in 2014.
He also had a spell at Doncaster Knights in the Championship, and a season with Ayr in the old Scottish Premiership, before joining Wasps in 2021-22, making 23 appearances for the club last season.
After Wasps entered administration at the start of this season, Hislop was picked up by Premiership table-toppers Saracens and he started in last month’s Heineken Champions Cup clash against Edinburgh at DAM Health Stadium.
“It’s obviously a really nice touch to know a lot of the lads from my previous spell at the club,” said Hislop. “Edinburgh is the best place for my rugby to improve and push on. It’s also a really great fit for my family.”
Hislop received a call up to Scotland’s senior squad for the 2021 summer tour, before the Covid eventually led to the scheduled games being cancelled.
“I think when I left Edinburgh, I was pretty young and a bit impatient," he added. "I would definitely say I’m a lot more experienced and would say my game has improved all round, especially at set-piece. I’m probably a more rounded player.”
Edinburgh head coach Mike Blair added: “We’re delighted to see Robin return to the capital. He brings a tough edge and plenty of experience to the loosehead position.
“We’ve been really impressed with his performances in the English Premiership. He’s a guy that brings a real energy every time he plays, while his history with the club means he’ll be a brilliant fit culturally.”
