Tom Cruse the latest ex-Wasps player to secure short-term future

Free agent Tom Cruse has secured his short-term future following his October 17 redundancy at Wasps, the 33-year-old revealing on Tuesday a deal to join Edinburgh in the URC just days after playing for the Barbarians in their last-minute win over Bath last Sunday.

A statement read: “Edinburgh Rugby have confirmed the signing of experienced hooker Tom Cruse on a short-term deal. Cruse joins the club with immediate effect, having left Wasps after the English Premiership side entered administration last month.

“The former Sale Sharks and London Irish front row adds further experience and cover for Edinburgh’s stable of hookers, with both Adam McBurney and Dave Cherry expected to miss time through injury.

“Having come through Sale Sharks’ academy, where he made his professional debut in 2012, Cruse made his breakthrough at Rotherham Titans where he scored eleven tries in 44 appearances. His Championship form quickly earned him a move to the English Premiership, with London Irish in 2015/16.

“Cruse then made the move to Wasps a season later, where he developed into one of the most consistent and mobile hookers in England’s top flight, scoring 21 tries in 114 appearances for the six-times English Champions. He also featured for Barbarians FC on Sunday as the invitational side took on Bath Rugby at The Rec, claiming a last-minute 30-31 win.”

Cruse said: “Edinburgh is an amazing club with great coaching staff and an exciting squad of players. The chance to come up and experience a different competition is one I’m looking forward to, along with living in an incredible city. It’s a privilege to be given this opportunity and one I cannot wait to get stuck into.”

Edinburgh head coach Mike Blair added: “We are delighted to bring in Tom on a short-term deal. He is an experienced player who has played consistently at a high level for a long time. With Adam and Dave both sidelined for a short period, the addition of Tom is vital as we return to action and compete in both the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup.”