Edinburgh have announced that Scotland international Blair Kinghorn has agreed a six-figure termination fee and will leave the club after next week's game against Ulster.
The versatile back was subject to a medical following United Rugby Championship round seven against Ulster at Kingspan Stadium and is expected to travel to Top 14 side Toulouse.
Kinghorn's current contract was due to expire in June next year, but by then the fly-half and full-back had already hinted at a move to the French team.
The fee led to his early release.
However, after agreeing an early release fee this month, Edinburgh have decided to allow the Scotland international to fly to France after the game against Ulster on December 2nd.
“Blair is an Edinburgh boy through and through, a home-grown club centurion and Scottish international. He is definitely a quality addition to the blue and orange of Edinburgh Rugby that we wanted to retain. players,” senior coach Sean Everitt said.
“His intention to leave at the end of his current contract, as well as the well-documented strength and depth of our back three, certainly influenced our decision to agree to his early release.
“With that in mind, we have reluctantly agreed to this release in exchange for a significant payment from Toulouse. We will now carefully consider how best to reinvest it into the club.” plan to do so”
“We wish Blair all the best in his new challenge in France and thank him for his commitment to the club.”
Edinburgh are fortunate in that they have a wealth of back three talent in Darcy Graham, Duan van der Merwe, Emiliano Boffelli and Wes Goossen.
However, Kinghorn's move will be a blow as he is scheduled to play his 138th game for Scotland this Friday night at home to Benetton.
Kinghorn said: “This was a really difficult decision. I have called this place home for nine years and have tremendous loyalty to this club. It's what they gave me and it started my journey in professional rugby. I feel like they really brought out the best in me.
“I think joining Toulouse is a good opportunity for me as a person and to develop my career and my game. It's a big decision, but I feel it's the right one for me.
“I'm really grateful to Edinburgh for seeing this as a great opportunity to grow personally and as a rugby player, but it's still going to be a sad day.”
It was quite a journey
He added of his time at the club: When I first signed we were at Murrayfield and then Milesid and now we have our own pitch at Hibs Stadium which is fantastic.
“Being able to make the voices of our supporters heard made match days so special. We have a real home at the club and the atmosphere there is incredible so we can continue to build on our performances. can.
“The Edinburgh fans have also always supported me. There have been some awkward moments in my career but they have always been by my side. That is something I will always be grateful for. I really hope that continues with the team because I really believe they can go on and do something special.
“This was a special trip and one I loved. I can't wait to get out there again this Friday night. It's really hard to say goodbye and I'm sad to say goodbye, but here we are. I'm leaving here feeling grateful for everything.”
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