The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[OomStruisbaai]

Argentina v Scotland
First Test:

Date: Saturday, July 2
Venue: Estadio 23 de Agosto, Juyjuy

Second Test:
Date: Saturday, July 9
Venue Estadio Padre Ernesto Martearena, Salta

Third Test
Date: Saturday, July 16 2022
Venue: The Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades, Santiago Del Estero

Scotland’s end-of-year fixtures 2022 (local time):
Scotland v Australia | Saturday, October 29, kick-off: 17.30

Scotland v Fiji | Saturday, November 5, kick-off: 13.00

Scotland v New Zealand | Sunday, November 13, kick-off: 14.15

Scotland v Argentina | Saturday, November 19, kick-off: 15.15

[Jock42]

Do the SRU still do a Remembrance Service on Remembrance Sunday and is it open to all?

[Tichtheid]

That's a really exciting series of tests for us in the Autumn.

[Biffer]

See Andy Cramond has retired. Only 28. Has had upwards of 20 concussions - 'and that's just the official ones'.

Shame for the lad, don't think he really got a proper shot at Scotland as he spent his whole career in France.

[Biffer]

Do the SRU still do a Remembrance Service on Remembrance Sunday and is it open to all?

I think they do, vague memory from a few years back

[Big D]

He got all sorts of dung thrown at him, he can't tackle, he's over rated, he played for Edinburgh so must be rubbish, he's a mercenary, all that stuff.

He's a young laddie making a good career for himself, and after facing a couple of career threatening situations too. He travelled across the world to make a go of it after being injured in South Africa as a youngster, plus the very difficult situation there means he and others are better seeking to further their professional ambitions abroad, just like any other job to be honest. He then got a serious injury in France and that was the end of it, no contract, no prospects... until Cockerill

Aye I'd have preferred him to stay at Edinburgh, but good luck to him

Don't think Duhan does get that much stick anymore. I think pretty much everyone considers him to be an excellent winger without major weakness.

The project player debate will always be there I'm afraid. We all have our opinions. You just need to listen to this week's rugby pod and Huw Jones joking half the national camp speaks with a home counties or Afrikaans accent.

My only "issue" with Duhan isn't really an issue at all. If I were a Worcester fan it would be though. £300k for a winger when operating under a salary cap is mental. His stats will look good, but wing is a position that doesn't need that level of money invested. It just doesn't provide enough benefit. Great for Duhan though which is good.

[LenCohen]

See Andy Cramond has retired. Only 28. Has had upwards of 20 concussions - 'and that's just the official ones'.

Shame for the lad, don't think he really got a proper shot at Scotland as he spent his whole career in France.

Insurance companies must have some good deals going just now

[Jock42]

Do the SRU still do a Remembrance Service on Remembrance Sunday and is it open to all?

I think they do, vague memory from a few years back

According to twitter its just a Service on the 11th.

[westport]

Do the SRU still do a Remembrance Service on Remembrance Sunday and is it open to all?

I think they do, vague memory from a few years back

According to twitter its just a Service on the 11th.

Yes pretty sure they only have it on the 11th with a lot going to Haymarket on the Sunday.

[Jock42]

I think they do, vague memory from a few years back

According to twitter its just a Service on the 11th.

Yes pretty sure they only have it on the 11th with a lot going to Haymarket on the Sunday.

that's still an option

[Biffer]

Do the SRU still do a Remembrance Service on Remembrance Sunday and is it open to all?

I think they do, vague memory from a few years back

According to twitter its just a Service on the 11th.

Now I come to think of it, there might have been a game on the 11th a couple of years back? That's where my be sozzled mind is getting confused.

[Jock42]

Mine too perhaps

[weegie01]

I did a rough count, and there appear to be about 60 tickets left for the Edinburgh game tomorrow.

Which begs the question, to be classed as a sell out, does every single ticket need to be sold, or is there leeway to allow for single seats that are hard to sell?

[westport]

Basil is now the DoR for Scottish

[Tichtheid]

Basil is now the DoR for Scottish

Some interesting moves going on there.

[robmatic]

Basil is now the DoR for Scottish

Some interesting moves going on there.

Shame they've never been able to come to some sort of arrangement with the SRU.

[Slick]

Basil is now the DoR for Scottish

Some interesting moves going on there.

Especially as he got a big promotion at his work last week!

[Slick]

Basil is now the DoR for Scottish

Some interesting moves going on there.

Shame they've never been able to come to some sort of arrangement with the SRU.

Never know, this might help with that

[Tichtheid]

Basil is now the DoR for Scottish

Some interesting moves going on there.

Shame they've never been able to come to some sort of arrangement with the SRU.

This pure conjecture on my part, but I think the SRU are a bit gun shy after what happened with Edinburgh when they ceded control, on their part 'Scottish will want to maintain their independence. There have been various attempts at a closer relationship, but as you say it just never really seems to work.

The model I'd have preferred would have been for the SRU to match and exceed any monies paid to premiership teams regarding numbers of English qualified players in the match days squads and further fund the full professional set up as our third team, but also look to cash in on the diaspora around London and the money that is there, there are some pretty wealthy followers/members of Ldn Scottish

[Biffer]

I did a rough count, and there appear to be about 60 tickets left for the Edinburgh game tomorrow.

Which begs the question, to be classed as a sell out, does every single ticket need to be sold, or is there leeway to allow for single seats that are hard to sell?

There's not going to be a definition as such. To all intents and purposes it's a sell out. There will be people who wanted to come but couldn't get a seat or didn't want a ticket standing behind the posts. So demand has exceeded supply, which is brilliant. More of this please.

Next year we should be targeting sell outs v Ulster, Munster, Leinster (whichever we're playing at home) and the Sharks, plus hopefully European games if we get into the big boys Cup.

[Biffer]

Some interesting moves going on there.

Shame they've never been able to come to some sort of arrangement with the SRU.

This pure conjecture on my part, but I think the SRU are a bit gun shy after what happened with Edinburgh when they ceded control, on their part 'Scottish will want to maintain their independence. There have been various attempts at a closer relationship, but as you say it just never really seems to work.

The model I'd have preferred would have been for the SRU to match and exceed any monies paid to premiership teams regarding numbers of English qualified players in the match days squads and further fund the full professional set up as our third team, but also look to cash in on the diaspora around London and the money that is there, there are some pretty wealthy followers/members of Ldn Scottish

I think joining the Super six would have been good.

[robmatic]

Some interesting moves going on there.

Shame they've never been able to come to some sort of arrangement with the SRU.

This pure conjecture on my part, but I think the SRU are a bit gun shy after what happened with Edinburgh when they ceded control, on their part 'Scottish will want to maintain their independence. There have been various attempts at a closer relationship, but as you say it just never really seems to work.

The model I'd have preferred would have been for the SRU to match and exceed any monies paid to premiership teams regarding numbers of English qualified players in the match days squads and further fund the full professional set up as our third team, but also look to cash in on the diaspora around London and the money that is there, there are some pretty wealthy followers/members of Ldn Scottish

At the same time, the SRU have been happy to invest in Old Glory etc.

[Slick]

Shame they've never been able to come to some sort of arrangement with the SRU.

This pure conjecture on my part, but I think the SRU are a bit gun shy after what happened with Edinburgh when they ceded control, on their part 'Scottish will want to maintain their independence. There have been various attempts at a closer relationship, but as you say it just never really seems to work.

The model I'd have preferred would have been for the SRU to match and exceed any monies paid to premiership teams regarding numbers of English qualified players in the match days squads and further fund the full professional set up as our third team, but also look to cash in on the diaspora around London and the money that is there, there are some pretty wealthy followers/members of Ldn Scottish

At the same time, the SRU have been happy to invest in Old Glory etc.

Like all of rugby there are some very entrenched views on both sides that are, frankly, pathetic.

[Tichtheid]

I think joining the Super six would have been good.

When I followed the Championship a few years ago 'Scottish used to beat Ealing, Bedford, Jersey handily, since they took the decision to go semi pro they have slipped badly, iirc Bedford have done the opposite.

'Scottish should be aiming higher, the S6 sides would get battered by the top half of the Championship, it's a long road to making the S6 play at that level.

At the same time, the SRU have been happy to invest in Old Glory etc.

I think long-term, everyone is eying the US rugby market with dollar signs flashing in their eyes, it hasn't taken off with soccer, I see no reason it will work with rugby.

[Slick]

I think joining the Super six would have been good.

When I followed the Championship a few years ago 'Scottish used to beat Ealing, Bedford, Jersey handily, since they took the decision to go semi pro they have slipped badly, iirc Bedford have done the opposite.

'Scottish should be aiming higher, the S6 sides would get battered by the top half of the Championship, it's a long road to making the S6 play at that level.

Agree the S6 sides would get battered against the 1stXV. However, there must be a way for LS to run an S6 side as a separate development team with the SRU. The S6 teams up here are pretty much separate from the clubs that host them anyway

[weegie01]

The Edinburgh Rugby team to face Ulster in tomorrow night’s United Rugby Championship clash at DAM Health Stadium has today been named by Head Coach Mike Blair (Saturday 30 April, kick-off 7.35pm) – live on Premier Sports.

Scotland internationalists Luke Crosbie (back-row) and Damien Hoyland (wing) are once again fit and start, while tighthead prop WP Nel returns up front after serving a two-game suspension.

Internationalists Stuart McInally (hooker), Grant Gilchrist, Jamie Hodgson (both locks), Magnus Bradbury (number 8), Ben Vellacott (scrum-half), James Lang (centre) and Emiliano Boffelli (wing) all return to the starting XV as Edinburgh aim to maintain their unbeaten home record at DAM Health Stadium.

With a record number of tickets already sold for the penultimate league fixture of the season, the match is set to be the club’s first sell out at DAM Health Stadium with only a handful of places now available in the 7,774 capacity ground.

Ahead of the fixture, Head Coach Mike Blair, said: “We’ve talked a lot this season about constantly being in the moment and that mind set is something we need to continue this weekend as we face perhaps the biggest test so far at DAM Health Stadium.

“Ulster are an excellent side with a number of dangerous players so we know that we have to be switched on from the very first whistle.

“The home crowd are going to have a huge part to play on Saturday night and it’s been absolutely brilliant to see the number of tickets sold throughout the week as we approach the club’s very first sell out at the DAM Health.

“Running out in front of a full house will be a special moment for the players and hopefully it will act as a catalyst for a special performance.”

Last week’s match-winner Jaco van der Walt continues at full-back as wingers Boffelli and Hoyland complete the back-three.

Centre Mark Bennett – twice a try-scorer against Zebre – links up with Lang in midfield, while scrum-half Vellacott and stand-off Blair Kinghorn form an exciting half-back pairing.

Club centurion McInally packs down alongside props Pierre Schoeman – named Player of the Match in back-to-back fixtures – and Nel up front, as locks Gilchrist and Hodgson complete the tight-five.

Number 8 Bradbury anchors an all-Scotland back-row which sees Crosbie and Hamish Watson selected on opposite flanks.

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Ulster at DAM Health Stadium in the United Rugby Championship
Saturday 30 April (kick-off 7.35pm) – live on Premier Sports

15. Jaco van der Walt (85)

14. Damien Hoyland (90)
13. Mark Bennett (67)
12. James Lang (16)
11. Emiliano Boffelli (14)

10. Blair Kinghorn (115) VICE-CAPTAIN
9. Ben Vellacott (18)

1. Pierre Schoeman (79)
2. Stuart McInally (164) VICE-CAPTAIN
3. WP Nel (167)
4. Jamie Hodgson (37)
5. Grant Gilchrist (171) CAPTAIN
6. Luke Crosbie (65)
7. Hamish Watson (128)
8. Magnus Bradbury (109)

Replacements

16. Dave Cherry (54)
17. Harrison Courtney (7)
18. Lee-Roy Atalifo (23)
19. Pierce Phillips (10)
20. Ben Muncaster (13)
21. Henry Pyrgos (66)
22. Chris Dean (117)
23. Matt Currie (13)

Unavailable: Luan de Bruin, Darcy Graham, Nick Haining, Henry Immelman, Viliame Mata, Ramiro Moyano, Jamie Ritchie, Ben Toolis, Boan Venter, Angus Williams, Glen Young

[robmatic]

Good to see Hoyland and Crosbie back.

[weegie01]

Good to see Hoyland and Crosbie back.

It is, but I'd rather they were not coming back in such a crucial game.

[robmatic]

Good to see Hoyland and Crosbie back.

It is, but I'd rather they were not coming back in such a crucial game.

I know where you are coming from but they are all crucial from now on this season.

[weegie01]

Good to see Hoyland and Crosbie back.

It is, but I'd rather they were not coming back in such a crucial game.

I know where you are coming from but they are all crucial from now on this season.

I agree, a case of 'if not now, when'?

[Tichtheid]

It is, but I'd rather they were not coming back in such a crucial game.

I know where you are coming from but they are all crucial from now on this season.

I agree, a case of 'if not now, when'?

In Crosbie's case we could have easily started Muncaster, Boyle has been great but is like for like with Watson, he would still have made a contribution.
Moyano is injured, as is Immelman so the selections become a bit easier when the likes of Damo come back.

Hoyland was in grand form before injury, I hope he and Crosbie hit the ground running, we need to be playing at our very best from now until the games run out one way or another.

[Tichtheid]

One thing I'd add, Mike Blair has done very well for his first season, whatever happens in the coming weeks. The injury list contains eleven players who would be in or around the first choice match day 23 conversation and we are fielding players with either lots of experience (Rambo etc) or relatively inexperienced players (Currie) with bags of potential who are used to playing with their team mates now

[westport]

​The Red Card disciplinary process for Marshall Sykes was heard by a Judicial Officer after he was sent off in the United Rugby Championship Round 16 game against Zebre Parma .

The incident occurred in the 44th minute of the United Rugby Championship Round 16 fixture at DAM Health Stadium.

The Player received a Red Card under Law 9.20b – A player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders.

The Judicial Officer overseeing the disciplinary process, Rhian Williams (Wales) determined that the Player’s actions met the threshold of a Red Card and that the act of foul play warranted a sanction. Mr. Goodwin determined the entry point be mid-range which carried a suspension of six (6) weeks.

However, considering the Player accepted that the act of foul play warranted a Red Card, has a clean previous record, his exemplary behaviour during the process these considerations entitled him to full (50 per cent) mitigation.

The player has been banned for a period of three games. He will be suspended until 15 May if Edinburgh reach an EPCR Semi-Final or until May 22 if they do not.

Fixtures Marshall Sykes is unavailable for:

Edinburgh v Ulster (April 30) URC

Edinburgh v Wasps (May 7) EPCR

EPCR Semi Finals (May 13/14/15) OR Edinburgh v Glasgow (May 21) URC

[Tichtheid]

​The Red Card disciplinary process for Marshall Sykes was heard by a Judicial Officer after he was sent off in the United Rugby Championship Round 16 game against Zebre Parma .

The incident occurred in the 44th minute of the United Rugby Championship Round 16 fixture at DAM Health Stadium.

The Player received a Red Card under Law 9.20b – A player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders.

The Judicial Officer overseeing the disciplinary process, Rhian Williams (Wales) determined that the Player’s actions met the threshold of a Red Card and that the act of foul play warranted a sanction. Mr. Goodwin determined the entry point be mid-range which carried a suspension of six (6) weeks.

However, considering the Player accepted that the act of foul play warranted a Red Card, has a clean previous record, his exemplary behaviour during the process these considerations entitled him to full (50 per cent) mitigation.

The player has been banned for a period of three games. He will be suspended until 15 May if Edinburgh reach an EPCR Semi-Final or until May 22 if they do not.

Fixtures Marshall Sykes is unavailable for:

Edinburgh v Ulster (April 30) URC

Edinburgh v Wasps (May 7) EPCR

EPCR Semi Finals (May 13/14/15) OR Edinburgh v Glasgow (May 21) URC

He didn't get the chance to attend a course to get another game off the ban, then?

WP Nel, and others, did

[Slick]

One thing I'd add, Mike Blair has done very well for his first season, whatever happens in the coming weeks. The injury list contains eleven players who would be in or around the first choice match day 23 conversation and we are fielding players with either lots of experience (Rambo etc) or relatively inexperienced players (Currie) with bags of potential who are used to playing with their team mates now

He has done an exceptional job and hasn’t been scared to make some big calls while seemingly keeping everyone happy.

[westport]

​The Red Card disciplinary process for Marshall Sykes was heard by a Judicial Officer after he was sent off in the United Rugby Championship Round 16 game against Zebre Parma .

The incident occurred in the 44th minute of the United Rugby Championship Round 16 fixture at DAM Health Stadium.

The Player received a Red Card under Law 9.20b – A player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders.

The Judicial Officer overseeing the disciplinary process, Rhian Williams (Wales) determined that the Player’s actions met the threshold of a Red Card and that the act of foul play warranted a sanction. Mr. Goodwin determined the entry point be mid-range which carried a suspension of six (6) weeks.

However, considering the Player accepted that the act of foul play warranted a Red Card, has a clean previous record, his exemplary behaviour during the process these considerations entitled him to full (50 per cent) mitigation.

The player has been banned for a period of three games. He will be suspended until 15 May if Edinburgh reach an EPCR Semi-Final or until May 22 if they do not.

Fixtures Marshall Sykes is unavailable for:

Edinburgh v Ulster (April 30) URC

Edinburgh v Wasps (May 7) EPCR

EPCR Semi Finals (May 13/14/15) OR Edinburgh v Glasgow (May 21) URC

He didn't get the chance to attend a course to get another game off the ban, then?

WP Nel, and others, did

I noticed that too

[Biffer]

​The Red Card disciplinary process for Marshall Sykes was heard by a Judicial Officer after he was sent off in the United Rugby Championship Round 16 game against Zebre Parma .

The incident occurred in the 44th minute of the United Rugby Championship Round 16 fixture at DAM Health Stadium.

The Player received a Red Card under Law 9.20b – A player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders.

The Judicial Officer overseeing the disciplinary process, Rhian Williams (Wales) determined that the Player’s actions met the threshold of a Red Card and that the act of foul play warranted a sanction. Mr. Goodwin determined the entry point be mid-range which carried a suspension of six (6) weeks.

However, considering the Player accepted that the act of foul play warranted a Red Card, has a clean previous record, his exemplary behaviour during the process these considerations entitled him to full (50 per cent) mitigation.

The player has been banned for a period of three games. He will be suspended until 15 May if Edinburgh reach an EPCR Semi-Final or until May 22 if they do not.

Fixtures Marshall Sykes is unavailable for:

Edinburgh v Ulster (April 30) URC

Edinburgh v Wasps (May 7) EPCR

EPCR Semi Finals (May 13/14/15) OR Edinburgh v Glasgow (May 21) URC

He didn't get the chance to attend a course to get another game off the ban, then?

WP Nel, and others, did

I noticed that too

Think the course is when it's an upright tackle

[Jock42]

Seeing as Glasgow are shitting the bed again it's time to turn the County match on.

[KingBlairhorn]

Seeing as Glasgow are shitting the bed again it's time to turn the County match on.

The inevitability is crushing.

[KingBlairhorn]

So, a more than decent chance Glasgow and Edinburgh are going to be playing off for champions cup rugby next year. Quite possibly also for a place in the playoffs. It really has been a shite end to the season for Glasgow. With the team they have it’s really not good enough. Danny Wilson has to go, and real money has to be spent on a top class replacement.