Edinburgh Rugby Men Archives - Scottish Rugby https://scottishrugby.org/categories/edinburgh-rugby-men/ Scottish Rugby is the governing body for rugby union in Scotland in Scotland. Our role is to grow the game and inspire Scotland through rugby in line with our values of respect, leadership, achievement, engagement and enjoyment. Thu, 22 Jan 2026 09:53:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://scottishrugby.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-thumbnail_SRlogo_270x207-white-32x32.png Edinburgh Rugby Men Archives - Scottish Rugby https://scottishrugby.org/categories/edinburgh-rugby-men/ 32 32 Scotland stars return as Edinburgh face Bulls test https://scottishrugby.org/news-and-features/scotland-stars-return-as-edinburgh-face-bulls-test/ Thu, 22 Jan 2026 09:53:58 +0000 https://scottishrugby.org/?post_type=fanzone&p=40003 In a massive lift for Sean Everitt’s side, the Scotland international trio of Duhan van der Merwe, Pierre Schoeman and D’arcy Rae have all been passed fit to start after recovering from their respective injuries. Their return coincides with a huge week for the club’s emerging talent, meaning Friday’s match selection offers a blend of […]

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]]> In a massive lift for Sean Everitt’s side, the Scotland international trio of Duhan van der Merwe, Pierre Schoeman and D’arcy Rae have all been passed fit to start after recovering from their respective injuries.

Their return coincides with a huge week for the club’s emerging talent, meaning Friday’s match selection offers a blend of international experience and the next generation of Scottish rugby.

International reinforcements

The inclusion of van der Merwe sees the winger rejoin a back-three that features Scotland’s two leading all-time male try-scorers.

Up front, the pack is significantly bolstered by the return of British & Irish Lion Schoeman and tighthead Rae, both of whom will be vital to matching the physicality of a powerful Bulls side.

Furthermore, club captain Magnus Bradbury returns to the number 8 jersey as Edinburgh aim to protect an unbeaten home record this season.

From Guinness Six Nations call-ups to Hive Stadium

It has been a landmark week for young back-rowers Freddy Douglas and Liam McConnell.

After being named in the Scotland squad for the Guinness Six Nations for the first time earlier this week, the duo have been handed starting berths for Friday’s clash.

Supporters will have the chance to get a look at Scotland’s young international call-ups in action before they head into the national camp, spearheading an Edinburgh back-row that combines youthfulness with the experience of Bradbury.

“A massive lift.”

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Sean Everitt commented on the selections:

“It’s fantastic to welcome back such an experienced cohort of players. Having the likes of Duhan, Pierre and D’arcy back from injury gives the squad a massive lift.

“We are proud of our unbeaten run at Hive Stadium. Our fans have been incredible all year, and it’s vital they get behind us from the first whistle this Friday night to help us get the result this team is working so hard for.”

Get behind Edinburgh Rugby!

With a perfect home record on the line and a squad packed with international talent, your support is more important than ever.

Be there to roar on the returning Scotland stars and celebrate our newest Six Nations call-ups as they take on one of the toughest tests in the URC.

GET VODACOM BULLS TICKETS HERE!

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Vodacom Bulls at Hive Stadium in the BKT United Rugby Championship (Club appearances in brakcets):

Friday 23 January (kick-off 7.45pm) – live on Premier Sports

15. Harry Paterson (22)
14. Darcy Graham (91)
13. Wes Goosen (66)
12. James Lang (85)
11. Duhan van der Merwe (110)

10. Ross Thompson (34)
9. Ben Vellacott (86)

1. Pierre Schoeman (144)
2. Ewan Ashman (47)
3. D’arcy Rae (31)
4. Glen Young (59)
5. Grant Gilchrist (227)
6. Liam McConnell (16)
7. Freddy Douglas (16)
8. Magnus Bradbury (144)

Replacements

16. Harri Morris (13)
17. Boan Venter (97)
18. Paul Hill (26)
19. Callum Hunter-Hill (28)
20. Ben Muncaster (52)
21. Charlie Shiel (84)
22. Cammy Scott (26)
23. Piers O’Conor (11)

 

Unavailable: Charlie McCaig (knee), Rhys Litterick (achilles), Rob Carmichael (wrist), Mosese Tuipulotu (knee), Tom Currie (knee), Luke Crosbie (hamstring), Sam Skinner (hamstring), Paddy Harrison (back), Marshall Sykes (arm), Findlay Thomson (hand), Dylan Richardson (ribs), Conor McAlpine (hamstring), Matt Currie (hamstring).

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]]> Edinburgh face Leinster in Investec Champions Cup Round of 16 https://scottishrugby.org/news-and-features/edinburgh-face-leinster-in-investec-champions-cup-round-of-16/ Mon, 19 Jan 2026 07:55:41 +0000 https://scottishrugby.org/?post_type=fanzone&p=39875 Despite a challenging Friday night at The Rec where Bath Rugby claimed the pool’s top spot with a 63-10 victory, the capital side’s earlier performances at Hive Stadium proved enough to see them through, qualifying for the knockouts for only the sixth time in club history. Although bonus-point wins for Castres Olympique and RC Toulon […]

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]]> Despite a challenging Friday night at The Rec where Bath Rugby claimed the pool’s top spot with a 63-10 victory, the capital side’s earlier performances at Hive Stadium proved enough to see them through, qualifying for the knockouts for only the sixth time in club history.

Although bonus-point wins for Castres Olympique and RC Toulon on the final matchday saw Edinburgh slide down the rankings, the club officially secures its place in the post-season as the 14th seed.

It was those gritty, maximum-point displays against RC Toulon and Gloucester in front of the home faithful that ultimately did the damage, providing the 10-point foundation required to progress as a best-placed fourth-placed team.

A massive test now awaits in Ireland, but the capital side knows that a win would see them face either Harlequins or Sale Sharks in the Quarter-Finals.

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]]> Capital comeback: Edinburgh overcome 13-point deficit to edge Gloucester https://scottishrugby.org/news-and-features/capital-comeback-edinburgh-overcome-13-point-deficit-to-edge-gloucester/ Sun, 11 Jan 2026 11:31:09 +0000 https://scottishrugby.org/?post_type=fanzone&p=39767 Freddy Douglas – once again starting at openside – picked up his second consecutive Player of the Match award, with a stellar performance that saw the back-row win five turnovers. The visitors wasted no time asserting dominance. Just sixty seconds into the match, Gloucester pounced on a turnover at the halfway line, spreading the ball […]

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]]> Freddy Douglas – once again starting at openside – picked up his second consecutive Player of the Match award, with a stellar performance that saw the back-row win five turnovers.

The visitors wasted no time asserting dominance. Just sixty seconds into the match, Gloucester pounced on a turnover at the halfway line, spreading the ball wide to exploit their pace on the flanks for an early opening score.

While Edinburgh showed plenty of attacking intent, they were frequently let down by unforced errors. A promising ten-minute period of pressure was snuffed out by a clinical forward pass, and Gloucester soon extended their lead to 10-0 with a straightforward penalty from directly in front of the posts.

Edinburgh finally found their rhythm through the sheer tenacity of Ben Vellacott. The livewire scrum-half ignited the home crowd, bouncing off initial tacklers before staying alert to shadow the subsequent phase.

He was rewarded for his support line, receiving the offload to dart over the whitewash. Though Ross Thompson’s conversion drifted wide, the momentum seemed to be shifting.

However, discipline issues briefly haunted the hosts. An offside call allowed Gloucester to slot another three points, and despite the defensive heroics of Player of the Match Freddy Douglas, Edinburgh couldn’t capitalise on their territory.

A lineout maul in the Gloucester 22 ended in a frustrated knock-on, allowing the “Cherry and Whites” to exit and strike back with a second try on the stroke of halftime, leaving Edinburgh with a mountain to climb.

The second half saw a complete tactical shift as Edinburgh’s forwards began to dictate terms. Following a relentless series of phases five metres out, the pack’s power proved too much for the Gloucester defence.

Replacement hooker Ewan Ashman burrowed over from close range to signal the comeback, with Thompson adding the extras to narrow the gap.

Fuelled by a vocal, near-capacity Hive Stadium crowd, Edinburgh’s pressure became relentless. After Gloucester failed to clear their 22, the hosts pounced. December’s Scottish Building Society Player of the Month Liam McConnell was the man to dot down following another attritional effort from the tight five. Thompson’s successful conversion put Edinburgh within touching distance.

The match reached its crescendo when Ben Muncaster, returning from injury, looked certain to score after a clever tactical kick from Thompson forced a Gloucester error.

Muncaster was illegally hauled down by Charlie Atkinson just short of the line; following a TMO review, the referee awarded a penalty try, handing Edinburgh the lead for the first time.

Gloucester refused to go quietly, clawing back a penalty to make it a two-point game with only five minutes remaining.

The tension was palpable as both sides traded possession in a frantic closing sequence. However, Edinburgh’s defence held firm, winning a crucial turnover penalty at the death. The ball was hammered into the stands, confirming a remarkable 26-24 comeback victory.

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]]> Edinburgh hold nerve in Treviso thriller https://scottishrugby.org/news-and-features/edinburgh-hold-nerve-in-treviso-thriller/ Sun, 04 Jan 2026 15:21:04 +0000 https://scottishrugby.org/?post_type=fanzone&p=39646 The result marks the capital side’s first away win of the season and their first triumph in Treviso since 2017, ending a long-standing hoodoo in one of the BKT United Rugby Championship’s toughest environments. The visitors started with intent, asserting their dominance from the opening whistle. For much of the first half, Edinburgh were the […]

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]]> The result marks the capital side’s first away win of the season and their first triumph in Treviso since 2017, ending a long-standing hoodoo in one of the BKT United Rugby Championship’s toughest environments.

The visitors started with intent, asserting their dominance from the opening whistle. For much of the first half, Edinburgh were the superior side, moving the ball with a slickness that frequently pierced the Benetton line.

The pressure eventually told when scrum-half Ben Vellacott sniped over from close range for the opening try. Ross Thompson added the extras and later slotted a penalty to stretch the lead to 10-0.

While the halftime scoreline favoured Edinburgh, it arguably did not reflect the extent of their control. Several promising incursions into the Benetton 22 went unrewarded due to minor inaccuracies at the clinical moment, leaving the door ajar for the hosts.

The second half began with a moment of pure individual brilliance from Darcy Graham. Deep inside his own 22, the winger reacted quickest to a loose ball. Sensing an opportunity, he launched a speculative kick downfield, outpaced the covering defence, and dived on the ball once more to score a sensational solo effort.

The score moved Edinburgh into a 0-15 lead and seemingly put them in the driver’s seat. However, the Italian outfit refused to crumble. Spurred on by a vocal home crowd, Benetton ignited. In a frantic ten-minute window, the hosts crossed the whitewash twice, converting both to bring the score to 14-15.

With the momentum firmly behind the Italians, Stadio Monigo was on its feet, and Edinburgh found themselves in a defensive dogfight. The shift in the trenches was led by Freddy Douglas, who produced a masterclass at the breakdown to earn the BKT Player of the Match award. Alongside him, the defensive shift was relentless; Glen Young, Harri Morris, Tom Dodd, James Lang, and Matt Currie put in a massive shift to halt the green-and-white waves of attack.

The final ten minutes were a test of pure resolve. Harri Morris came up with a vital turnover penalty to relieve pressure, a feat mirrored moments later by Darcy Graham, who proved as effective in defence as he was in attack. Drama peaked in the 80th minute when Edinburgh had the chance to seal the game with a penalty. In a heart-stopping moment, the strike hit the upright and bounced back into play.

Benetton gathered and launched one final, desperate assault down the short side. However, the Edinburgh line held firm, and a spilled Italian pass finally brought the gruelling contest to an end.

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]]> Henry Pyrgos joins Edinburgh Rugby’s Academy coaching staff https://scottishrugby.org/news-and-features/henry-pyrgos-joins-edinburgh-rugbys-academy-coaching-staff/ Fri, 19 Dec 2025 13:45:32 +0000 https://scottishrugby.org/?post_type=fanzone&p=39583 The former Scotland internationalist joins Academy Manager Kris Burney and Scotland U20 Head Coach Fergus Pringle. Pyrgos made his professional debut at Glasgow Warriors in 2010 and was part of the 2014/15 side that won the Pro12 before departing for Edinburgh in 2018. He won 29 caps for Scotland across seven years. Since retiring from […]

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]]> The former Scotland internationalist joins Academy Manager Kris Burney and Scotland U20 Head Coach Fergus Pringle.

Pyrgos made his professional debut at Glasgow Warriors in 2010 and was part of the 2014/15 side that won the Pro12 before departing for Edinburgh in 2018. He won 29 caps for Scotland across seven years.

Since retiring from playing in 2023, Pyrgos has coached at Boroughmuir and most recently at the University of Edinburgh as head coach.

Head of Performance Pathways Al Kellock said: “Henry has huge experience both as a player, but as a coach as well. He was a stand-out candidate and we’re delighted to have him with us.

“As well as the coaching, technical and tactical coaching that Henry will do, he will be a mentor for our young players and someone to learn from. He’s been there and done it, and been through the journey. He will add enormous value to their off-field behaviours as well as their on-field standards. Henry will drive excellence into the programme at Edinburgh.

“Kris Burney will continue to lead the programme alongside Scotland U20 coach Fergus Pringle. It is a strong trio that will bring the best out of our young players at Edinburgh.”

Henry Pyrgos said: “It’s been brilliant to be back involved. I’m here to help support academy players coming through, work really hard with them individually and give them every opportunity to progress and become an elite professional.

“I aim to provide experience across all different areas of the game, on-field, off-field, technical, tactical work, and mentorship as well. I’ve been on that journey myself as a player, so I’m there to support them, talk things through and help them understand how to be a professional and how to put themselves in the best position to move forward.

“Having recently finished playing, it’s just a great opportunity for me to come in and coach. I’ve got a lot of areas to keep working on in my coaching, but I’m loving it so far. It’s great to build relationships with the guys and see them develop.

“The academies are the future of the game, so it’s amazing to see the investment that’s been put in there to support these players, identify young players and help them reach their potential.”

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]]> Castres power past young Edinburgh side https://scottishrugby.org/news-and-features/castres-power-past-young-edinburgh-side/ Mon, 15 Dec 2025 07:39:31 +0000 https://scottishrugby.org/?post_type=fanzone&p=39529 A youthful Edinburgh side trailed by just a single score at the break, but a powerful second-half surge from the hosts, coupled with disruptive injuries to the visitors, proved too much to overcome. The capital team started the brighter of the two sides, demonstrating ambition and control in the opening exchanges. Centre Piers O’Conor thought […]

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]]> A youthful Edinburgh side trailed by just a single score at the break, but a powerful second-half surge from the hosts, coupled with disruptive injuries to the visitors, proved too much to overcome.

The capital team started the brighter of the two sides, demonstrating ambition and control in the opening exchanges.

Centre Piers O’Conor thought he had given Edinburgh the lead after hitting a short line off a five-metre scrum, only for the referee to rule the ball held up over the line.

Despite the early promise, it was Castres who drew first blood on 13 minutes, with Christian Ambadian finishing tidily in the corner after some neat handling from the home backs to make it 5-0.

Edinburgh, however, were well in the fight and showcased flashes of quality, none more impressive than two huge defensive moments from young flanker Freddy Douglas.

First winning a crucial turnover penalty, and then getting himself into the middle of a powerful Castres lineout drive to shut down a certain score.

Edinburgh kept knocking on the door, coming within inches of powering over, but a wide move was intercepted by a lightning-quick Castres defence as the teams went into the changing rooms with the score finely poised at 5-0.

The second half began in sharp contrast, with Castres hitting the accelerator immediately.

It took just seven minutes for them to breach the Edinburgh line again, with hooker Loris Zarantonello crashing over from a dominant lineout drive, extending the lead to 12-0.

The situation quickly deteriorated for the visitors, who were already missing Jack Brown from the first half due to a head knock. Ross McCann was forced off with a head injury, and the subsequent yellow card shown to Piers O’Conor for a head-on-head contact in the tackle left the defence stretched.

The structural difficulties were compounded when replacement James Lang had to depart with a shoulder injury, allowing Castres to take full advantage.

The French side ran in a series of quickfire scores, building a significant and unassailable 33-0 lead by the 65th minute.

Despite the scoreline, Edinburgh will take significant promise from the impressive performances of their young core.

Liam McConnell, Freddy Douglas, Ollie Blyth Lafferty, Jack Brown and Lewis Wells all demonstrated they have the talent and temperament to compete at this level.

Elsewhere, the return of Matt Currie and Conor Boyle for their first appearances of the season will be a major boost for the team moving forward.

Edinburgh continued to battle fiercely until the final whistle, even having a late Ewan Ashman score chalked off, but the match finished 33-0, a result that ultimately reflected Castres’ powerful second-half display against a young and injury-hit Edinburgh side.

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]]> Currie returns for Castres clash https://scottishrugby.org/news-and-features/currie-returns-for-castres-clash/ Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:54:09 +0000 https://scottishrugby.org/?post_type=fanzone&p=39502 Currie returns to action following a spell on the sidelines due to vertigo for the Round 2 match-up in France. Necessitated by both rotation and injury, Everitt makes several changes to the team that claimed a famous win against Toulon at Hive Stadium, with the Head Coach continuing to show trust in Edinburgh’s up-and-coming talent. […]

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]]> Currie returns to action following a spell on the sidelines due to vertigo for the Round 2 match-up in France.

Necessitated by both rotation and injury, Everitt makes several changes to the team that claimed a famous win against Toulon at Hive Stadium, with the Head Coach continuing to show trust in Edinburgh’s up-and-coming talent.

Homegrown 19-year-old tighthead prop Ollie Blyth-Lafferty – fresh from making his first professional start and penning his first professional deal – once again starts in the front row.

Full back Jack Brown (20), wing Lewis Wells (23) and back-row Freddy Douglas (20) are also starters as Edinburgh Rugby return to Castres having claimed a memorable Investec Champions Cup victory at Stade Pierre-Fabre in 2023/23.

On the selection, Everitt said: “After a great win last week we’re looking forward taking on Castres in their own back yard in the next round of the Investec Champions Cup.

“It’s a long season, and we’re in the middle of a ten-week block, so we need to use our full squad in this period. We’re giving a few of our younger guys a shot this weekend, and we’re excited to see how they go against another big French side.”

Brown starts at full-back for the first time in a capital XV, forming a new-look back three with Wells and Ross McCann.

Currie is partnered by Piers O’Conor in the midfield, with the summer signing starting at inside-centre for the first time since his move to the club.

Everitt names an unchanged half-back pairing, with Cammy Scott once again selected at fly-half alongside scrum-half Ben Vellacott, who captains the side.

In the pack, Blyth-Lafferty packs down alongside Scotland hooker Harri Morris and Springbok loosehead Boan Venter, the latter of whom scored Edinburgh’s bonus-point earning try last time out.

Locks Callum Hunter-Hill and Glen Young both come into the starting pack, paired for the first time this season.

Tom Dodd earns his first start of the campaign at number 8, alongside Douglas and blindside flanker Liam McConnell in the back row.

Adding a welcome boost to the matchday squad, back-row Connor Boyle is named on the bench. His inclusion marks his first appearance in over 12 months, completing his comeback from a long-term knee injury.

 

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Castres Olympique at Stade Pierre-Fabre in the Investec Champions Cup
Sunday 14 December, kick-off 1pm GMT/2pm local – live on Premier Sports

15.⁠ ⁠Jack Brown (4)

14.⁠ ⁠Ross McCann (15)
13.⁠ ⁠Matt Currie (64)
12.⁠ ⁠Piers O’Conor (6)
11.⁠ ⁠Lewis Wells (4)

10.⁠ ⁠Cammy Scott (22)
9.⁠ ⁠Ben Vellacott (80) CAPTAIN

1.⁠ ⁠Boan Venter (95)
2.⁠ ⁠Harri Morris (7)
3.⁠ ⁠Ollie Blyth-Lafferty (2)
4.⁠ ⁠Callum Hunter-Hill (22)
5.⁠ ⁠Glen Young (53)
6.⁠ ⁠Liam McConnell (11)
7.⁠ ⁠Freddy Douglas (10)
8.⁠ ⁠Tom Dodd (15)

Replacements

16.⁠ ⁠Ewan Ashman (43)
17.⁠ ⁠Mikey Jones (1)
18.⁠ ⁠Paul Hill (20)
19.⁠ ⁠Connor Boyle (42)
20.⁠ ⁠Hamish Watson (180)
21.⁠ ⁠Charlie Shiel (79)
22.⁠ ⁠James Lang (80)
23.⁠ ⁠Wes Goosen (61)

Unavailable: Pierre Schoeman, Duhan van der Merwe, Darcy Graham, Magnus Bradbury, Grant Gilchrist (all rest protocol), Charlie McCaig (knee), Rhys Litterick (achilles), Rob Carmichael (wrist), Mosese Tuipulotu (knee), Tom Currie (knee), Luke Crosbie (hamstring), D’arcy Rae (ankle), Sam Skinner (hamstring), Paddy Harrison (back), Ben Muncaster (knee), Marshall Sykes (arm), Harry Paterson (hamstring), Findlay Thomson (hand)

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]]> Blyth-Lafferty commits to Edinburgh until 2028 https://scottishrugby.org/news-and-features/blyth-lafferty-commits-to-edinburgh-until-2028/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 11:52:16 +0000 https://scottishrugby.org/?post_type=fanzone&p=39473 The 19-year-old prop becomes a full-time professional with immediate effect, marking a significant milestone as he prepares to face Castres Olympique in the Investec Champions Cup this Sunday. Blyth-Lafferty puts pen to paper on deal after making his first professional start in Sunday’s thrilling Investec Champions Cup victory over RC Toulon at Hive Stadium. This […]

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]]> The 19-year-old prop becomes a full-time professional with immediate effect, marking a significant milestone as he prepares to face Castres Olympique in the Investec Champions Cup this Sunday.

Blyth-Lafferty puts pen to paper on deal after making his first professional start in Sunday’s thrilling Investec Champions Cup victory over RC Toulon at Hive Stadium. This followed his professional debut from the bench the week prior against Ospreys in the BKT United Rugby Championship.

Blyth-Lafferty is one of several young, local Scottish players coming through the club’s academy system to feature prominently in the senior team this season, with fellow talents like Liam McConnell (21), Tom Currie (21), Conor McAlpine (21) and Freddy Douglas (20) all catching the eye.

On penning his first pro deal, Blyth-Lafferty said: “Signing my first professional deal with Edinburgh Rugby is a genuinely massive moment for me and my family. This is my hometown club, and to put pen to paper after coming through the academy is an amazing feeling.

“I’m hugely proud to have made my debut, and then get my first start in the Champions Cup against Toulon was just incredible – it’s what you dream of as a young player.

“Now that I’m a full-time professional, the hard work really steps up. I want to make my mark here and push to be a top player for the club. It makes it even better that I’ve loved coming through the system with my mates. Guys like Liam and Freddy – we’ve played together for years, and now we’re all getting a shot in the senior team. We push each other every day, and hopefully, we can be part of a successful future for Edinburgh Rugby.”

Blyth-Lafferty started with Boroughmuir in Primary 1, playing all the way up to U18 level where he won the U18 Boys’ Youth Cup. He was named as one of the FOSROC Contracted Academy players aligned with Edinburgh Rugby for the 2023/24 season.

Still just 17 at the time, Ollie gained valuable adult rugby experience via Currie Chieftains and the FOSROC Futures XV, while also featuring for Heriot’s Rugby in the Premiership during the 2024/25 season.

On the international stage, before being brought into the Scotland U20 set up, Ollie was a standout player at Scotland U18 level, having represented the side in all three games of the 2024 Under-18 Six Nations Festival.

He and his brother Jerry – a hooker in the Edinburgh Rugby academy – also made history by becoming the first brothers to play for Scotland U20 together on an international stage when they started in the front row in the team’s first pool match against Samoa in the 2024 World Rugby U20 Trophy.

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Sean Everitt highlighted Blyth-Lafferty’s potential and the club’s commitment to developing local talent.

He said: “It’s brilliant news for the club to secure a player with so much potential like Ollie on a long-term deal. He has shown his quality and composure in training and on the field when given his chance, especially with that Champions Cup start against Toulon.

“Ollie has a really bright future ahead of him. The exciting thing is he still has so much more room to grow, both physically and technically, which speaks volumes about the potential he possesses. We want Edinburgh fans to continue to get right behind these young local players. The mantra here is clear: we want to turn local players into legends.”

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]]> Toulon tussle: Edinburgh secure stunning win https://scottishrugby.org/news-and-features/toulon-tussle-edinburgh-secure-stunning-win/ Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:13:38 +0000 https://scottishrugby.org/?post_type=fanzone&p=39402 In torrential rain, Edinburgh put their illustrious opponents to the sword with an abrasive and committed performance, securing all five points on offer. The atmosphere was palpable from the start despite the horrid weather, but it was Toulon who initially handled the conditions better, with full-back Melvyn Jaminet striking a rangy drop-goal after a goal-line […]

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]]> In torrential rain, Edinburgh put their illustrious opponents to the sword with an abrasive and committed performance, securing all five points on offer.

The atmosphere was palpable from the start despite the horrid weather, but it was Toulon who initially handled the conditions better, with full-back Melvyn Jaminet striking a rangy drop-goal after a goal-line drop-out from Edinburgh to take the lead (0-3).

The visitors quickly extended their advantage when Scotland international scrum-half Ben White – fired up on his return to Scotland – darted over from five metres out after a series of strong drives from the Toulon pack (0-10).

Edinburgh responded well, however, and were soon on the scoreboard as fly-half Cammy Scott slotted home three points from the tee (3-10).

Five minutes later, another penalty gave Edinburgh excellent field position; a kick to the corner and subsequent lineout drive saw Pierre Schoeman eventually wrestle over to level proceedings (10-10).

Toulon got their noses back in front when White again showed the quickest reactions around the whitewash, taking a quick tap penalty to dive over for his second (10-17).

Edinburgh were scrapping for everything in the rain and won another penalty on half-way, which Scott precisely nudged into the corner. With Ewan Ashman gathering at the tail, he found Ben Vellacott in space out wide who acrobatically finished in the corner (15-17).

Scott split the uprights once again with a penalty kick to give Edinburgh a narrow one-point lead heading into the sheds (18-17).

Paul Hill replaced the impressive 19-year-old tighthead Ollie Blyth Lafferty at the break, who had showcased his strength at scrum time in a fine first professional start.

Scott nudged another penalty over to start the second half and extend Edinburgh’s lead (21-17), but Toulon answered a minute later with a penalty of their own to keep it a one-point game (21-20).

The game’s massive turning point came on 57 minutes when Toulon captain Dave Ribbans struck Liam McConnell in the face after an altercation at the side of a ruck.

Ribbans was shown only a yellow card, a decision which brought the Lothian Stand to its feet in full voice.

Edinburgh worked the ball into the Toulon 22, and with a huge scrum led by replacement Boan Venter, they were deservedly awarded a penalty try (28-20).

Hive Stadium was now jumping, and when Cammy Scott spiralled a superb 50:22 to gain further excellent field position, fans had momentarily forgotten about the horrid weather.

Edinburgh weren’t done yet, and when replacement Boan Venter muscled over from only a metre out, the bonus point and all five points were secured to get Edinburgh’s European campaign off to a belter.

Back-rower Liam McConnell was eventually named Investec Player of the Match after another impressive performance for his hometown club.

The 1872 Cup is more than a match,  it’s a battle for city pride and over 150 years of rugby history. With home fixtures at Murrayfield, tickets are selling fast as fans flock to secure their spot and cheer on Edinburgh against Glasgow. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic rivalry – grab your tickets now!

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]]> Graham and Ashman return for Toulon opener https://scottishrugby.org/news-and-features/graham-and-ashman-return-for-toulon-opener/ Sat, 06 Dec 2025 10:43:32 +0000 https://scottishrugby.org/?post_type=fanzone&p=39396 The capital club kick off their European campaign with a titanic clash against the three-time Champions, and are boosted by the return of star men Graham and Ashman, who start on the wing and at hooker respectively, following a week of rest after the Quilter Nations Series. The returning pair are two of eight personnel […]

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]]> The capital club kick off their European campaign with a titanic clash against the three-time Champions, and are boosted by the return of star men Graham and Ashman, who start on the wing and at hooker respectively, following a week of rest after the Quilter Nations Series.

The returning pair are two of eight personnel changes in the starting XV, as Sean Everitt’s men prepare for a rematch against the Top 14 outfit, having won home and away fixtures against the Frenchmen in the 2018/19 campaign.

In the pack, Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, 19, is handed his first start for the club at tighthead prop having debuted from the bench last time out against Ospreys.

Marshall Sykes starts at lock, while Dylan Richardson (openside) and club captain Magnus Bradbury (number 8) both return to the back-row.

In the backs, Cammy Scott gets the nod at stand-off, while Harry Paterson comes into the side for his first start of the season at full-back.

Paterson’s inclusion means the ever-present Wes Goosen shifts to outside-centre.

GET TOULON TICKETS HERE!

 

On the match, Head Coach Sean Everitt said: “We are incredibly excited to be back competing in the Investec Champions Cup. Being back at the top table of European rugby truly brings out the best in this squad, and you can feel the energy and motivation around the camp.

“We’ve had a great week of training and preparation, and the players are ready and highly motivated for Sunday’s challenge. European nights under the lights are always special, and we know that Hive Stadium will be absolutely jumping for kick-off. We need that atmosphere, and we want our supporters to be the 16th man pushing us on.”

Paterson starts at full-back, alongside Scotland’s top try-scorers Graham and Duhan van der Merwe.

In the midfield, academy centre Findlay Thomson, 21 – named Player of the Match against Ospreys – starts alongside Goosen, as scrum-half Ben Vellacott and Scott combine at half-back.

Blyth-Lafferty forms the front-row with Scotland pair Pierre Schoeman and Ashman. Sykes joins Grant Gilchrist in the engine room.

Liam McConnell, 21, continues at blindside flanker after his impressive start to the season.

 

Edinburgh Rugby team to face RC Toulon at Hive Stadium in the Investec Champions Cup
Sunday 7 December, kick-off 5.30pm – live on Premier Sports

15. Harry Paterson (20)

14. Darcy Graham (85)
13. Wes Goosen (60)
12. Findlay Thomson (2)
11. Duhan van der Merwe (107)

10. Cammy Scott (21)
9. Ben Vellacott (79)

1. Pierre Schoeman (139)
2. Ewan Ashman (42)
3. Ollie Blyth-Lafferty (1)
4. Marshall Sykes (88)
5. Grant Gilchrist (224)
6. Liam McConnell (10)
7. Dylan Richardson (4)
8. Magnus Bradbury (139) CAPTAIN

Replacements 

16. Harri Morris (6)
17. Boan Venter (94)
18. Paul Hill (19)
19. Glen Young (52)
20. Freddy Douglas (9)
21. Charlie Shiel (78)
22. James Lang (79)
23. Piers O’Conor (5)

Unavailable: Charlie McCaig (knee), Rhys Litterick (achilles), Matt Currie (head), Rob Carmichael (wrist), Mosese Tuipulotu (knee), Tom Currie (knee), Luke Crosbie (hamstring), D’arcy Rae (ankle), Sam Skinner (hamstring), Paddy Harrison (back), Ben Muncaster (knee).

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