The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)

Nine internatio­nalists return for Edinburgh

Hodge hopes for boost from players returning from Scotland duty

- ANDY NEWPORT

Edinburgh Rugby welcome back nine internatio­nals from Scotland’s RBS 6 Nations squad for tonight’s Guinness PRO12 clash against Scarlets at Parc Y Scarlets.

Acting head coach Duncan Hodge has named an all-internatio­nal front-row with Scotland’s most-capped forward, Ross Ford, captaining the side from hooker.

He will pack down alongside Allan Dell and Simon Berghan, the latter winning his first cap against France in Paris.

Ben Toolis remains at lock, while back-row Cornell du Preez returns to the black and red after making his internatio­nal debut against England.

In the backs, 27-times capped Duncan Weir starts in the 10 shirt, while Damien Hoyland is named on the wing.

Hooker Stuart McInally and lock Grant Gilchrist are on the bench following their spell in the Scotland camp.

Hodge told edinburghr­ugby.org: “We’re delighted to welcome back a number of players after their time in the Scotland camp.

“We hope they can bring their experience and form into tomorrow night’s clash.

“We’ve trained well this week and, after a short break, are feeling refreshed for our return to PRO12 duties.

“Edinburgh games against Scarlets are always hard fought and we know they pride themselves on a strong home record, so there’s no doubt tomorrow’s encounter will be a big challenge.

“However, there’s a good feeling in our camp and we’re looking forward to taking them on in what will certainly be a physical battle.”

 ?? Picture: SNS Group. ?? Damien Hoyland: starts on the wing tonight against Scarlets.
Picture: SNS Group. Damien Hoyland: starts on the wing tonight against Scarlets.
 ??  ?? Duncan Hodge: looking forward to a physical battle with Scarlets tonight.
Duncan Hodge: looking forward to a physical battle with Scarlets tonight.

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