Magnus Bradbury will return to Edinburgh in the summer two years after he left the club to join Bristol Bears.

The club centurion will join on a two-year deal in the summer as a replacement for Bill Mata, who has already agreed to head the other way and join Bristol at the end of the season.

He’s been an ever-present for the English side, starting all 19 of their games this season, and his return to Edinburgh presents a major boost for Sean Everitt’s side after losing Mata.

He’s scored nine tries in that time and although replacing the impressive Mata at Hive Stadium will be no easy task, he returns to a club he knows well and can help push Edinburgh on in the URC and in Europe.

The 28-year-old has picked up 19 caps for Scotland and was called up to the Six Nations squad by Gregor Townsend as injury cover but wasn’t introduced to the matchday 23 this year.

His focus is on Edinburgh though and he is targeting silverware as he makes a return to the club he started his career with.

Scotland Rugby News:

Speaking after his signing was announced, he said: “Edinburgh is home for me. I love the club, so I’m really excited to return this summer.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Bristol. It’s been a great move for me, and it’s allowed me to grow and develop as a player in a new environment – and we can still achieve great things this season, which I’m fully focused on.

“However, when the opportunity to move back to Edinburgh came about, and with the direction the club is moving in, it felt like unfinished business. I’m relishing the chance to wear the castle on my chest once again and represent a city and supporters that mean so much to me.

“It’s been brilliant to see Edinburgh continue to grow and go from strength to strength. I loved that first season in our new home and it will be an amazing feeling to run out at Hive Stadium, in front of our supporters, once again.

“I’ve spoken to Sean [Everitt] and I really like his vision for the club. He wants Edinburgh guys leading an Edinburgh team. Hopefully I can continue where I left off and help the club win silverware – that’s what we all want to achieve.”

Everitt himself believes that Bradbury returns to the capital as the perfect replacement for Mata and his connection to the club made it a no-brainer to bring him back.

He added: “Magnus [Bradbury] is quality player in his absolute prime. He’s been one of Bristol Bears’ most consistent performers this campaign, playing week in week out for a side in top form.

“With Bill [Mata] moving on at the end of the season, it was imperative that we recruited well in that position. Magnus can come in and anchor our pack from the get-go, while his obvious connection and history with the club, and relationship with a lot of players in this squad, means he can slot in seamlessly. 

“With Magnus returning, and further exciting signings and re-signings still to be announced, things are shaping up nicely for next season, with our hopes of reaching the URC play-offs and securing Champions Cup rugby still very much in our own hands.”

Bristol Bears paid tribute to Bradbury and thanked him for his time at the club in their own statement.

Director of Rugby Pat Lam said: “Magnus has made a massive contribution on and off the field during his two seasons here, which includes winning the prestigious Players’ Player of the Year award last season.

“He has also been an excellent team man on and off the field and he can be very proud of his impact at the Bears.

“Magnus maintains a desire to represent his country and his return to Scotland will certainly help him to achieve his ambitions.  

“We wish him and Eve all the very best with the move and for the future. I know along with the rest of the squad Maggie is determined to make this season a big success before he leaves.”