Hodgson sets sights on spot for Six Nations

EDINBURGH forward Jamie Hodgson is confident that he can challenge for a place in Scotland’s Six Nations squad after winning his first caps for his country in the Autumn Nations Series.

The 23-year-old and his fellowlock Marshall Sykes, who have both signed new contracts with Mike Blair’s team, made their Tests debuts against Tonga. Hodgson then held on to his place in Gregor Townsend’s squad for the subsequent matches against Australia and South Africa, and although he knows that competition could be tougher in the New Year as experienced internationals such as Jonny Gray and Scott Cummings return, he is backing himself to thrive if given a chance.

“Although I don’t want to get ahead of myself I’m taking great confidence in the direction I’m going,” he said. “My mindset is: Why not? Why can’t I be in the mix for the Six Nations and get a spot there? Playing in the Six Nations would be a dream come true.”

Sykes, who came off the bench in Edinburgh’s win over Saracens last week, believes that he and Hodgson work well together because of their different skills.

“Jamie is a better line-out jumper than I probably am,” the 21-year-old said. “The contact area is what I really focus on.”

Edinburgh did not reveal the length of the their deals, but head coach Blair made it clear he wanted them to be part of the team’s long-term plan.

“Jamie and Marshall have both been excellent for us so far this season and thoroughly deserved their Scotland debuts in the autumn,” he said. “We’re delighted to see two more young Scottish academy graduates commit their future to the club and we hope that they’ll be part of Edinburgh Rugby for the foreseeable future.”

While Edinburgh have a bye in the Challenge Cup this weekend, Saracens were due to play Pau in France, but the game has been called off after the London club reported “a significant number of positive Covid tests” in their squad. Pau have been awarded a 28-0 win and five match points.

Edinburgh said their medical staff had been in contact with their counterparts at Saracens, and the squad and staff would continue to be PCR tested regularly and take all necessary precautions.