Former Saints fly-half Grayson happy to be moving closer to home as his next club is confirmed

The 27-year-old fly-half has put pen to paper on a one-year deal at Hive Stadium, making the switch from Japan Rugby League One side Mitsubishi Dynaboars this summer.

Grayson made close to 100 appearances for Saints before moving to Japan in 2023.

He has since made 48 appearances for Mitsubishi Dynaboars in Division 1 of the Japan Rugby League One, accumulating 294 points across his time with the club.

His first full season in 2023/24 was his most prolific, starting every league game and scoring 148 points in 15 appearances.

But now Grayson is looking forward to moving back to Britain.

He told the Edinburgh website: “I’m delighted to have signed with Edinburgh for next season.

"After three years overseas, the time feels right to return closer to home, and the opportunity to play in the URC was a big factor in my decision.

“It’s also a special moment for me and my family – my great granny was a very proud Scottish lady, and I know she would have been delighted to see me make this move.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started, competing with the squad, and creating special memories in front of the supporters.

“Having watched a number of games, the Hive looks to have an incredible atmosphere, and I’m excited to experience that for myself.”

A product of England’s age-grade pathway, Grayson represented his country from Under-16s through to Under-20s level.

He featured in the 2017 and 2018 U20 Six Nations campaigns, including a defeat to Scotland at Myreside – a match that also featured future Edinburgh team-mates Ross Thompson and Marshall Sykes in the home side.

He was part of the England Under-20s squad that reached the World Rugby U20 Championship final in 2017 and is the son of former England international Paul Grayson, a 2003 World Cup winner and British & Irish Lions tourist who made more than 300 appearances for Saints.

Grayson becomes the fifth senior signing of the summer for Edinburgh, joining Riley Higgins, Louie Chapman, Geordie Gwynn and Alec Hepburn in committing to the club for next season.

And Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt said: “We’re really pleased to add James to the group.

"He’s an impressive player – someone who reads the game well and brings a real quality with the boot, both from hand and at goal.

“He’s played a huge amount of rugby at a high level, first with Northampton in the Premiership and then across three seasons in Japan, and we think that experience will allow him to hit the ground running when he arrives.

“He’ll come in and challenge for the 10 jersey, and that competition for places will be good for the squad.”