Jamie Ritchie is to leave Edinburgh for French Top 14 side Perpignan at the end of the season, with the Scotland back-row saying he is ready for a “new challenge”.
The 28-year-old has spent all of his career at Edinburgh, joining straight from school.
“I have literally grown up at this club over the last 10 years and this has been an incredibly hard decision for me and my family to move on,” he said.
“I have absolutely loved my time here and I am extremely grateful to everyone who has been a part of that journey, this club means so much to me.
“I just feel that now is the time for a new challenge in a new country and for us as a family to experience a completely different lifestyle. As always, I will be fully committed to the team until the end of the season.”
Ritchie was chosen as Scotland captain in the autumn of 2022 and led the national side at the 2023 World Cup.
Edinburgh had hoped to agree a contract extension with Ritchie, who won his 55th international cap in last weekend’s Six Nations victory over Italy.
“We have tried our best to keep Jamie at the club but we must respect his personal decision,” said head coach Sean Everitt.
“We wish him the very best in this move to Perpignan. There is still a lot of rugby to be played until the end of the season and we know Jamie will give his all every time he pulls on the Edinburgh jersey.”
