Edinburgh Secure Crusaders Scrumhalf Louie Chapman on Two Year Deal Ahead of United Rugby Championship Season

Kiwi scrumhalf Louie Chapman signs a two year deal with Edinburgh, citing a family connection to Scotland as a key motivator for his move from the Crusaders.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 29, 2026, 3:34 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

Edinburgh Finalize Multi Year Agreement for Kiwi Playmaker

Edinburgh has successfully secured the services of Crusaders scrumhalf Louie Chapman, finalizing a two year deal that will see the player move to the Scottish capital later this year. The 25 year old is scheduled to join the United Rugby Championship side following the conclusion of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season and the subsequent NPC campaign in New Zealand. This strategic acquisition by head coach Sean Everitt aims to introduce a fresh dynamic to the squad's halfback department, capitalizing on Chapman's experience within the highly competitive Canterbury rugby system.

Family Heritage Facilitates Move to Scotland

A significant factor in Chapman’s transition to the northern hemisphere is his eligibility to represent Scotland through his grandmother. The player noted that this specific family connection adds a layer of personal meaning to the move, expressing a desire to honor his heritage while competing at the professional level in Edinburgh. According to Chapman, the opportunity to play in the city where his grandmother has roots made the offer from Edinburgh particularly compelling, transforming a standard career move into a pursuit with deep familial ties.

Chapman Concludes Lifelong Ambition With Crusaders

The move marks the end of a long standing association between Chapman and the Crusaders, the team he supported as a schoolboy in Canterbury. Having served as Head Boy at Christchurch Boys’ High School and progressed through the Junior Knights program, Chapman eventually realized his goal of representing the senior franchise in Super Rugby. While he described the departure as the start of an exciting new chapter, he acknowledged that playing in the red and black jersey was the fulfillment of a primary professional ambition.