Ben Healy tipped for Scotland as Edinburgh confirm signing

Ben Healy will be playing his rugby in, and potentially for, Scotland next season after Edinburgh confirmed the signing of the 23-year-old fly-half from Munster on a two-year deal.

Healy represented Ireland U20 but qualifies for Scotland through his Glasgow-born mother and turned down a move to the Warriors two years ago before signing a new deal in Limerick which expires at the end of this season.

The 23-year-old faced competition for Munster’s No 10 jersey from the highly-rated Jack Crowley and his move to the Scottish capital could ignite Healy’s World Cup dreams with reports suggesting he may immediately be drafted into Gregor Townsend’s squad.

Healy delivered a reminder of his quality with a match-winning turn on New Year’s Day after coming off the bench to score a late try and conversion that completed Graham Rowntree’s side’s comeback in the 15-14 win over Ulster. However, that was his first match for his home province since 10 November and he has only featured in half of the club’s matchday squads this term and will leave the side after four years ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

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Edinburgh confirmed the signing on Wednesday lunchtime after head coach Mike Blair had previously revealed their interest in the Scottish-qualified player.

Ben Healy has been tipped for Scotland honours with a move to Edinburgh now official (INPHO)

Blair Kinghorn is the incumbent stand-off at Edinburgh after his move from the back three and Healy will provide competition for the starting spot at the DAM Health Stadium.

Additionally, if Kinghorn is not immediately joined by Healy on international duty then the Tipperary native will battle it out with Charlie Savala to fill the play-making spot. And Blair admitted that competition for places is something he is striving to bring to an Edinburgh side that sit tenth in the United Rugby Championship, one place below Munster.

“You need strength in depth in certain positions,” Blair said. “Your front rows, your 9s, 10s, you need to plan to have some depth. With it being World Cup year it takes more planning.”

Before Healy’s next steps were officially announced, Rowntree praised the latter’s recent contribution to his Munster side.

He said: “He’s been vital for us for the last couple of years. Good to have around, tremendous attitude. His future is uncertain, I’m not going to lie. And yes, he has had interest from over the water last year and the year before, so we will see how that pans out.”

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