Blow as Watson is ruled out of run-in
HamisH Watson will miss Edinburgh’s Pro14 league run-in as well as scotland’s three-match summer tour as he undergoes surgery on his shoulder. the openside flanker hasn’t played since turning out for his country in their final six nations match against italy. His absence is a huge blow to Edinburgh, who play Ulster at murrayfield on Friday evening knowing a win will take them into the end-of-season play-offs. Gregor townsend will also miss him for the summer when scotland play Canada, the Usa and argentina. ‘Hamish has been struggling with his shoulder for a little while, so we have chosen to get the operation done now because he can then have the summer off, recuperate and then be fully fit for preseason,’ said Cockerill. ‘it’s a World Cup year so, in consultation with Gregor (townsend), the right thing to do for the player is to get it done rather than him play at 80/90 per cent and try to manage through. ‘Hamish has a high work load, plays in a combative position and it is just sensible we look after him. He will have surgery on his shoulder on thursday. ‘John Hardie is still available for us at openside and is an experienced scotland player. Jamie Ritchie has played very well for us in Hardie’s absence and so has Luke Crosbie so, between now and the end of the season, they will all be in competition for the seven jersey.’ Cockerill, meanwhile, has signed experienced italian prop Pietro Ceccarelli from French club oyonnax on a one-year deal as cover for next season. the Edinburgh head coach expects his three first-choice tight-heads Willem nel, simon Berghan and murray mcCallum to miss large chunks of next season due to scotland commitments. ‘i have three scotland tightheads that all go away,’ said Cockerill. ‘Politically, a lot of the guys who have chosen to play outside italy like Pietro don’t get picked for their national side, so i expect him to be around.’