‘It never crossed my mind to leave’
Hector Patterson felt he learned from playing against Ben White last week and the Edinburgh scrum-half’s rugby education will continue in the capital after he signed a new two-year contract.
Patterson, 21, has been one of the bright young things who have helped Edinburgh make an encouraging start to the season. And although they stuttered against White and Toulon in the European Challenge Cup, they return to United Rugby Championship action against the Lions this Friday as league leaders.
Patterson has started all four games in the new campaign having made his debut towards the end of last season. Combative, sharp and with an eye for a try, he has made a big impact.
His new contract commits him to Edinburgh until the end of the 2027-28 season and he said he was delighted to get the deal signed.
“I’m happy to get it out of the way and done, so I can sort of focus on my rugby more than anything,” he said. “But I’m happy to be staying at the club. I’ve always wanted to play here, and I’ve been really happy with the way things have been going at the start of the season. So may that continue.”
‘It was definitely on my mind’
Negotiations had been rumbling on in the background and Patterson admitted it had preyed on him a little.
“It was definitely on my mind in these first few games,” he said. “But I was always going to stay here; I was just scared of injuries and things like that. So I’m happy it’s out of the way. I can just fully focus and knuckle down and hope to keep the nine jersey here.”
Patterson helped Edinburgh beat Ulster, the Stormers and Zebre in their opening three URC games but they came unstuck at home to Toulon, losing 27-17. The game pitted Patterson against White, Scotland’s first-choice scrum-half, and although White had the better of the duel, Patterson felt he benefited from the experience.
“I was definitely happy to see his name on the teamsheet when it was announced. I can learn a lot from a guy like him. I was expecting some words in the game but it wasn’t too bad.
“I would love to follow in his footsteps and do the things he does. It was good to face him, a challenge. His kicking game is one of the best. I would definitely try and copy that.
Taking confidence from facing up to White
“I maybe felt a bit of confidence in myself that I can probably keep up with those boys. Maybe he does a bit more on the ball and I don’t have as much confidence to do at times. Watching him take quick taps, take the ball at the lineout, I would like to bring that to my game and improve in these aspects.”
Gregor Townsend will name his Scotland squad on Monday for the Nations Championship autumn Tests and White is sure to be included. But could Patterson be joining him? It’s early days yet for the Borderer who has played only eight senior games for Edinburgh and he says he is concentrating on helping maintain the club’s good form.
Scotland ‘not on my mind’
“Somebody else asked me about Scotland stuff but to be honest it’s not on my mind,” he said. “It is been just about trying to get these wins for Edinburgh. I haven’t thought about it that much.”
Patterson, who came through the ranks at Jed-Forest and Hawick, said staying at Edinburgh was always his preferred option and he played down links with other clubs.
“It never crossed my mind to leave here,” he said.
Sean Everitt, his coach at Edinburgh, described Patterson as “gutsy” and believes he has the potential to a big player for the club.
“We’re delighted to get this deal over the line. Hector has a huge amount of potential. He’s gutsy and he cares about winning.
“We think he can be a big player for this club for years to come. There are plenty of young players putting their hands up in this team, and we’re excited to see what Hector can achieve as part of it.”