Heathcote leaves Bath for Edinburgh

Scotland international fly-half Tom Heathcote is to join Edinburgh for next season, his current club Bath confirmed on Monday.

The 22-year-old number 10, who has won three caps for Scotland, had a year left on his existing Bath contract, but the Premiership club agreed to let him go "to allow him to progress his career and international aspirations". Born in Inverness, Heathcote progressed through Bath`s academy system, making more than 50 first team appearances and scoring close to 400 points. "This was a really hard decision for me to make," he told the club`s official website. "I`ve played all my senior rugby at Bath and have had some fantastic experiences here. "I haven`t been able to get the game-time I would have liked this season though, and if I am to push on with my career and playing for Scotland I need to be playing regular rugby." Bath head coach Mike Ford added: "He`s a fantastic young player and a true professional at a young age. "He was keen to move to help further his international career before the Rugby World Cup, and we didn`t want to hinder his chances of playing for Scotland. "I am sure the move will help him reach his full potential, and we wish him all the very best at Edinburgh." Edinburgh had announced that Heathcote has agreed a one-year contract with them.