Fresh Face: Meet Ben Vellacott

• 2 March 2021
• Behind the Scenes

Get to know Edinburgh Rugby's latest recruit, livewire scrum-half and former Scotland age-grade international, Ben Vellacott.

From early beginnings as a Scotland age-grade international to tearing up the English Premiership, we take a deep dive into the career of our newest signing.

Player statistics

DOB: 28/03/1995

Place of Birth: Chertsey, Surrey

Height: 5ft 6in

Weight: 78kg

International record: Represented Scotland at U17, U18 and U20 level

Through the ranks

A pupil at Devon's Ivybridge Community College, Vellacott was picked up by Exeter Chief's Academy where he progressed through the ranks before enrolling at Hartpury College.

From there, the scrum-half linked up with the Gloucester Academy before penning his first pro deal at Kingsholm Stadium in January 2017.

Age grade star

Vellacott has represented Scotland at age-grade level since 2012. The scrum-half played U17 rugby before progressing to U18s, where he picked up player of the match in a decisive victory over England.

Velacott made his Scotland U20 debut off the bench against Ireland in January 2014 during that season's U20 Six Nations Championship and scored his side's only try in the closing stages.

The scrum-half was selected for the 2014 Junior World Cup in New Zealand where he featured alongside current Edinburgh Rugby stars Damien Hoyland, Chris Dean, Jamie Ritchie, Lewis Carmichael, Magnus Bradbury and Jamie Farndale.

Vellacott made 17 appearances in total for Scotland at U20 level.

Breakthrough

Vellacott's breakthrough season at Gloucester came in 2017-18 where he made 27 appearances, scoring seven tries in the process.

In a memorable campaign the scrum-half picked up a plethora of lightning scores, with finishes against Newcastle Falcons in the Challenge Cup Semi-Final and a length of the field effort against Wasps particular highlights.

Check out some of Vellacott's best highlights below...

Key quote

“I’m really excited about joining Edinburgh. The recent signings and re-signings show the direction the club want to go in and I’m delighted to be a part of that – as well as exploring a new area with my partner and Frenchie [French Bulldog]. Ben Vellacott

Media reaction

Here's how some of the media have reacted to Velacott's move to the Scottish capital!