The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[clydecloggie]

can't believe some of you guys are seriously considering supporting England this weekend. They are still rank and are nowhere near a SF quality team - the draw has been incredibly kind to them.

It's Bokke all the way on Saturday for me.

[Biffer]

Looks like Rory Sutherland will play for Top 14 Oyonnax this season. Must be a a relief to pick up a club. Will be a tough old season but after Worcester went pop it is good he hasn't really had to go without a job at any point.

Three Scots in that squad as he joins 24 year old second row Ewan Johnson and the somehow only 31 year old Luke Hamilton.

Ewan Johnson is an interesting one we should keep an eye on. Only 24, raised in France, three years at Vannes in ProD2 after being in the Racing Academy, Oyannax recruited him from there after winning the ProD2. No big standouts in the second row for Oyannax (Steve Mafi is there but he's really a 4/6). So a good opportunity for him to be playing good rugby at the top level,

[Jock42]

Looks like Healy, Skinner, Sebastian and Crosbie are available for Sat. As much as I looking forward to seeing Healy on a regular basis I was really want to see this young lad.

[Slick]

can't believe some of you guys are seriously considering supporting England this weekend. They are still rank and are nowhere near a SF quality team - the draw has been incredibly kind to them.

It's Bokke all the way on Saturday for me.

Yeah, I know all that, but the SA supporters…

[SaintK]

can't believe some of you guys are seriously considering supporting England this weekend. They are still rank and are nowhere near a SF quality team - the draw has been incredibly kind to them.

It's Bokke all the way on Saturday for me.

Thanks, much appreciated

[robmatic]

Looks like Healy, Skinner, Sebastian and Crosbie are available for Sat. As much as I looking forward to seeing Healy on a regular basis I was really want to see this young lad.

I wonder how many training sessions Healy has even had with the Edinburgh squad, because I'm assuming he got some time off after the World Cup. Not a lot of time to learn the plays etc. I wouldn't be surprised if he were on the bench.

[westport]

Looks like Healy, Skinner, Sebastian and Crosbie are available for Sat. As much as I looking forward to seeing Healy on a regular basis I was really want to see this young lad.

Yip the rest get a couple of weeks off

Edinburgh Rugby can today confirm the following players have linked up with the senior squad ahead of Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship Round 1 fixture against Dragons RFC at Rodney Parade (21 October, kick-off 3.05pm) – live on Viaplay.

Ben Healy

Sam Skinner

Javan Sebastian

Luke Crosbie

New signings Ben Healy (stand-off) and Javan Sebastian (tighthead prop) are joined by returning back-five players Sam Skinner (lock) and Luke Crosbie (back-row).

The club’s remaining internationalists involved in France will return to training at Scottish Gas Murrayfield in the coming weeks – stay tuned to the club’s channels for further squad updates.

[LenCohen]

can't believe some of you guys are seriously considering supporting England this weekend. They are still rank and are nowhere near a SF quality team - the draw has been incredibly kind to them.

It's Bokke all the way on Saturday for me.

I'll be supporting England as I'm not a small minded Scot and the English squad seem like decent chaps. What would make me support a team from the other end of the world over our closest neighbours?

[Big D]

Looks like Healy, Skinner, Sebastian and Crosbie are available for Sat. As much as I looking forward to seeing Healy on a regular basis I was really want to see this young lad.

Yip the rest get a couple of weeks off

Edinburgh Rugby can today confirm the following players have linked up with the senior squad ahead of Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship Round 1 fixture against Dragons RFC at Rodney Parade (21 October, kick-off 3.05pm) – live on Viaplay.

Ben Healy

Sam Skinner

Javan Sebastian

Luke Crosbie

New signings Ben Healy (stand-off) and Javan Sebastian (tighthead prop) are joined by returning back-five players Sam Skinner (lock) and Luke Crosbie (back-row).

The club’s remaining internationalists involved in France will return to training at Scottish Gas Murrayfield in the coming weeks – stay tuned to the club’s channels for further squad updates.

Wonder why Watson is getting the full time off? Didn't play a great deal more than some of those back at it.

Healy had to come in quick. He needs to get up to speed so that when the 1sts are back they are ready to go rather than bedding in a new 10. Can rotate/manage him later in the season.

[Yr Alban]

can't believe some of you guys are seriously considering supporting England this weekend. They are still rank and are nowhere near a SF quality team - the draw has been incredibly kind to them.

It's Bokke all the way on Saturday for me.

I'll be supporting England as I'm not a small minded Scot and the English squad seem like decent chaps. What would make me support a team from the other end of the world over our closest neighbours?

I've just been tweeting about this. Why would you support your closest neighbour over, well, anyone? It's unheard of in pretty much any sport, anywhere in the world, as far as I've ever heard. Teams who are geographically close to each other are usually bitter rivals, not bosom buddies. Hearts fans will never support Hibs. Belgians will never support France. Argentinians will never support Brazil. It is ridiculous to suggest that it is somehow 'small-minded' not to support England. Because it is A DIFFERENT COUNTRY.

For the record, I got past my ABE feeling years ago and I am generally pretty indifferent to them. But the suggestion that I should support them because they are next door boils my piss. That's literally the opposite of how this works.

[Simian]

Och, I can see the merit in both POV, tbh. It was England lads seeming decent chaps that I raised an eyebrow at :)

[Tichtheid]

I think we can support whoever we want and there is no "you should" to this at all.

I've got nothing against England, it's just that they don't particularly excite me as a team to watch at the moment, they don't even have the scary Orcs up front just now and I could really do without the screaming at winning a free kick from some of them, cough, Sarries players, cough.

I do like Marcus Smith though, I think he is brilliant to watch.

I love the SA backline, especially their wingers, at the last RWC their backs were wot won it.

As much as I'm going to be shouting for Boff, the ABs are usually great to watch when they turn it on, for me that is why I'd support any team, just for the way they play, it's doesn't have to be ultra sexy high speed rugby, but if it's all about the pack then they have to be a ferocious scary as fuck bunch. I think South Africa have that, especially over the match day 23.

[Biffer]

can't believe some of you guys are seriously considering supporting England this weekend. They are still rank and are nowhere near a SF quality team - the draw has been incredibly kind to them.

It's Bokke all the way on Saturday for me.

I'll be supporting England as I'm not a small minded Scot and the English squad seem like decent chaps. What would make me support a team from the other end of the world over our closest neighbours?

I've just been tweeting about this. Why would you support your closest neighbour over, well, anyone? It's unheard of in pretty much any sport, anywhere in the world, as far as I've ever heard. Teams who are geographically close to each other are usually bitter rivals, not bosom buddies. Hearts fans will never support Hibs. Belgians will never support France. Argentinians will never support Brazil. It is ridiculous to suggest that it is somehow 'small-minded' not to support England. Because it is A DIFFERENT COUNTRY.

For the record, I got past my ABE feeling years ago and I am generally pretty indifferent to them. But the suggestion that I should support them because they are next door boils my piss. That's literally the opposite of how this works.

Yeah, try wandering into a bar in the Netherlands during the World Cup and suggesting they should support Germany against Brazil.

[clydecloggie]

I think we can support whoever we want and there is no "you should" to this at all.

I've got nothing against England, it's just that they don't particularly excite me as a team to watch at the moment, they don't even have the scary Orcs up front just now and I could really do without the screaming at winning a free kick from some of them, cough, Sarries players, cough.

I do like Marcus Smith though, I think he is brilliant to watch.

I love the SA backline, especially their wingers, at the last RWC their backs were wot won it.

As much as I'm going to be shouting for Boff, the ABs are usually great to watch when they turn it on, for me that is why I'd support any team, just for the way they play, it's doesn't have to be ultra sexy high speed rugby, but if it's all about the pack then they have to be a ferocious scary as fuck bunch. I think South Africa have that, especially over the match day 23.

This. Not ABE, but AB-boring-rugby.

[Slick]

6 Nations would be a confusing time

I wish it was a QF, then I could really get behind England without the thought of them jamming it all the way to the final.

To be honest, pretty much all the English guys on here seem great lads and I’d actually really like England to do well for them. The Saffers, yeah.

Would be great for the Argies to win it (they have beaten SA and NZ very recently, so why not) and I’d be fine with NZ winning it.

Thing is though, I can say all I like how much I want England to win but come the game I’ll be quietly sniggering at the back as they go down. Guess it’s just a conditioning thing.

Anyway, I’m supporting England in that game.

[Slick]

I think we can support whoever we want and there is no "you should" to this at all.

I've got nothing against England, it's just that they don't particularly excite me as a team to watch at the moment, they don't even have the scary Orcs up front just now and I could really do without the screaming at winning a free kick from some of them, cough, Sarries players, cough.

I do like Marcus Smith though, I think he is brilliant to watch.

I love the SA backline, especially their wingers, at the last RWC their backs were wot won it.

As much as I'm going to be shouting for Boff, the ABs are usually great to watch when they turn it on, for me that is why I'd support any team, just for the way they play, it's doesn't have to be ultra sexy high speed rugby, but if it's all about the pack then they have to be a ferocious scary as fuck bunch. I think South Africa have that, especially over the match day 23.

I know you’ve mentioned Smith just to wind me up

[Tichtheid]

I think we can support whoever we want and there is no "you should" to this at all.

I've got nothing against England, it's just that they don't particularly excite me as a team to watch at the moment, they don't even have the scary Orcs up front just now and I could really do without the screaming at winning a free kick from some of them, cough, Sarries players, cough.

I do like Marcus Smith though, I think he is brilliant to watch.

I love the SA backline, especially their wingers, at the last RWC their backs were wot won it.

As much as I'm going to be shouting for Boff, the ABs are usually great to watch when they turn it on, for me that is why I'd support any team, just for the way they play, it's doesn't have to be ultra sexy high speed rugby, but if it's all about the pack then they have to be a ferocious scary as fuck bunch. I think South Africa have that, especially over the match day 23.

I know you’ve mentioned Smith just to wind me up

If I wanted to trigger you, you know who I'd mention

to be fair, and vice versa if you wanted to tell me he's not a fly half.

[Tichtheid]

He's now down as a Fly half/Fullback on the Embra team sheet btw

It's a bit weird that they'e updated some of the team list, but Rambo is still on it.

[LenCohen]

I'll be supporting England as I'm not a small minded Scot and the English squad seem like decent chaps. What would make me support a team from the other end of the world over our closest neighbours?

I've just been tweeting about this. Why would you support your closest neighbour over, well, anyone? It's unheard of in pretty much any sport, anywhere in the world, as far as I've ever heard. Teams who are geographically close to each other are usually bitter rivals, not bosom buddies. Hearts fans will never support Hibs. Belgians will never support France. Argentinians will never support Brazil. It is ridiculous to suggest that it is somehow 'small-minded' not to support England. Because it is A DIFFERENT COUNTRY.

For the record, I got past my ABE feeling years ago and I am generally pretty indifferent to them. But the suggestion that I should support them because they are next door boils my piss. That's literally the opposite of how this works.

Yeah, try wandering into a bar in the Netherlands during the World Cup and suggesting they should support Germany against Brazil.

Erm, I think that's slightly different...Don't think we've been occupied by England in the very recent past

[Slick]

I think we can support whoever we want and there is no "you should" to this at all.

I've got nothing against England, it's just that they don't particularly excite me as a team to watch at the moment, they don't even have the scary Orcs up front just now and I could really do without the screaming at winning a free kick from some of them, cough, Sarries players, cough.

I do like Marcus Smith though, I think he is brilliant to watch.

I love the SA backline, especially their wingers, at the last RWC their backs were wot won it.

As much as I'm going to be shouting for Boff, the ABs are usually great to watch when they turn it on, for me that is why I'd support any team, just for the way they play, it's doesn't have to be ultra sexy high speed rugby, but if it's all about the pack then they have to be a ferocious scary as fuck bunch. I think South Africa have that, especially over the match day 23.

I know you’ve mentioned Smith just to wind me up

If I wanted to trigger you, you know who I'd mention

to be fair, and vice versa if you wanted to tell me he's not a fly half.

I think we all know a Marcus. Not necessarily arrogant but just so full of self confidence that nothing knocks them off their stride and they think everyone see’s them the same way.

His gold monogrammed headphones made me laugh out loud on Saturday as did his a moment in the match when he was screaming at the team and they all just looked away and listened to someone else . Anyway, mainly joshing, seems like a decent sort and not his fault he has a really annoying face.

[Tichtheid]

I know you’ve mentioned Smith just to wind me up

If I wanted to trigger you, you know who I'd mention

to be fair, and vice versa if you wanted to tell me he's not a fly half.

I think we all know a Marcus. Not necessarily arrogant but just so full of self confidence that nothing knocks them off their stride and they think everyone see’s them the same way.

His gold monogrammed headphones made me laugh out loud on Saturday as did his a moment in the match when he was screaming at the team and they all just looked away and listened to someone else . Anyway, mainly joshing, seems like a decent sort and not his fault he has a really annoying face.

He's a Brighton lad, or at least a posh school in Brighton lad, and he plays the brand of rugby I love, on both counts I'm going to support him.

I've been watching Smith since he was 18 and I genuinely think he's England's Finn, if they treat him right.

[westport]

He's now down as a Fly half/Fullback on the Embra team sheet btw

It's a bit weird that they'e updated some of the team list, but Rambo is still on it.

His contract, i believe, is til the end of November

[Biffer]

I've just been tweeting about this. Why would you support your closest neighbour over, well, anyone? It's unheard of in pretty much any sport, anywhere in the world, as far as I've ever heard. Teams who are geographically close to each other are usually bitter rivals, not bosom buddies. Hearts fans will never support Hibs. Belgians will never support France. Argentinians will never support Brazil. It is ridiculous to suggest that it is somehow 'small-minded' not to support England. Because it is A DIFFERENT COUNTRY.

For the record, I got past my ABE feeling years ago and I am generally pretty indifferent to them. But the suggestion that I should support them because they are next door boils my piss. That's literally the opposite of how this works.

Yeah, try wandering into a bar in the Netherlands during the World Cup and suggesting they should support Germany against Brazil.

Erm, I think that's slightly different...Don't think we've been occupied by England in the very recent past

80 years, 400 years, what’s the difference.

[Jock42]

Looks like Healy, Skinner, Sebastian and Crosbie are available for Sat. As much as I looking forward to seeing Healy on a regular basis I was really want to see this young lad.

I wonder how many training sessions Healy has even had with the Edinburgh squad, because I'm assuming he got some time off after the World Cup. Not a lot of time to learn the plays etc. I wouldn't be surprised if he were on the bench.

Fair point.

[Slick]

If I wanted to trigger you, you know who I'd mention

to be fair, and vice versa if you wanted to tell me he's not a fly half.

I think we all know a Marcus. Not necessarily arrogant but just so full of self confidence that nothing knocks them off their stride and they think everyone see’s them the same way.

His gold monogrammed headphones made me laugh out loud on Saturday as did his a moment in the match when he was screaming at the team and they all just looked away and listened to someone else . Anyway, mainly joshing, seems like a decent sort and not his fault he has a really annoying face.

He's a Brighton lad, or at least a posh school in Brighton lad, and he plays the brand of rugby I love, on both counts I'm going to support him.

I've been watching Smith since he was 18 and I genuinely think he's England's Finn, if they treat him right.

I never really seen him play for Quins, so just judging him on his sporadic chances for England, he looks like a decent player to me, but not much more. In saying that, he has only ever really played in a pretty mediocre England team so maybe when they get their act together he will also shine.

I hope they don’t play him at 15 on Saturday though, it could get very ugly.

[Yr Alban]

I've just been tweeting about this. Why would you support your closest neighbour over, well, anyone? It's unheard of in pretty much any sport, anywhere in the world, as far as I've ever heard. Teams who are geographically close to each other are usually bitter rivals, not bosom buddies. Hearts fans will never support Hibs. Belgians will never support France. Argentinians will never support Brazil. It is ridiculous to suggest that it is somehow 'small-minded' not to support England. Because it is A DIFFERENT COUNTRY.

For the record, I got past my ABE feeling years ago and I am generally pretty indifferent to them. But the suggestion that I should support them because they are next door boils my piss. That's literally the opposite of how this works.

Yeah, try wandering into a bar in the Netherlands during the World Cup and suggesting they should support Germany against Brazil.

Erm, I think that's slightly different...Don't think we've been occupied by England in the very recent past

So suggest to Belgians they should support France. Or Portuguese that they should support Spain. Or Norwegians that they should support Sweden. Or, hey, literally any country in the world that they should support the country next door. 99% of the time they'll tell you where to go.

[Biffer]

Tell the Canadians to support the USA at ice hockey in the olympics and see how you get on, as another example.

[Big D]

Graham and Ritchie out for 4-6 weeks.

[LenCohen]

Yeah, try wandering into a bar in the Netherlands during the World Cup and suggesting they should support Germany against Brazil.

Erm, I think that's slightly different...Don't think we've been occupied by England in the very recent past

So suggest to Belgians they should support France. Or Portuguese that they should support Spain. Or Norwegians that they should support Sweden. Or, hey, literally any country in the world that they should support the country next door. 99% of the time they'll tell you where to go.

Give me their email addresses and I will

[Tichtheid]

Graham and Ritchie out for 4-6 weeks.

That's a shame, but that timescale makes them available, hopefully, for Connacht and/or the Bulls, both games in Edinburgh. We should, fingers crossed, have everyone available by then.

[SomersetJock]

The whole supporting you neighbour is a tough one. If I’m honest I’ve always found England fans the best to be with on a matchday out of the home nations. Saying that I’ve recently taken up a part time role with my local Welsh club and the lads there are absolutely sound compared to the clowns you encounter in Cardiff or on forums etc.

I would be inclined to support England this week but the fact they are a pretty average team right now puts me off, and for the sake of the sport we need a decent competitive final. Would be an absolute travesty if England somehow fluke a victory and make the final.

I won’t lie though, I did enjoy seeing Ireland going out, for no other reason than their constant whinging and obsession about the SRU not voting for their World Cup bid !

[Big D]

I won’t lie though, I did enjoy seeing Ireland going out, for no other reason than their constant whinging and obsession about the SRU not voting for their World Cup bid !

I want Ireland to do well as Mrs Big D is Northern Irish however:

- O'Mahoney having a dig about Kinghorn saying Scotland could win then having his comments about Cane from last year rammed down his throat by Cane (and Savea) outplaying the whole Irish back row comfortably was good to see.

- I didn't want Sexton to win the RWC. He isn't in the same overall class as Wilkinson and Carter and IMO doesn't deserve the golden moment to walk off from, especially after the European final incident.

In general, and Scotland players have also played a part in this, the moaning at the ref and play acting in game needs to be stamped out.

[Slick]

I won’t lie though, I did enjoy seeing Ireland going out, for no other reason than their constant whinging and obsession about the SRU not voting for their World Cup bid !

I want Ireland to do well as Mrs Big D is Northern Irish however:

- O'Mahoney having a dig about Kinghorn saying Scotland could win then having his comments about Cane from last year rammed down his throat by Cane (and Savea) outplaying the whole Irish back row comfortably was good to see.

- I didn't want Sexton to win the RWC. He isn't in the same overall class as Wilkinson and Carter and IMO doesn't deserve the golden moment to walk off from, especially after the European final incident.

In general, and Scotland players have also played a part in this, the moaning at the ref and play acting in game needs to be stamped out.

On your last point, I remember reading once that footie authorities don't really want to stamp out the ref confrontations or the diving as they believe it adds to the spectacle. I really hope we are not going down that route, but it seems really, really odd that it such an easy thing, especially the backchat, to sort out, but they haven't.

[westport]

Sean Everitt gives update on the squad

https://edinburghrugby.org/news-and-fea ... hIhn0j9rCU

[Begbie]

Sean Everitt gives update on the squad

https://edinburghrugby.org/news-and-fea ... hIhn0j9rCU

Glad to see Cherry hasn't been banished.

On Dave Cherry’s availability for selection

“It took him a while to get over the concussion. He’s well and healthy, and he’s got a new member to the family, which is very exciting for them, and he seems to have settled down well at home.

“So we’re excited to have him back, and I’m sure he’ll be eager to put his hand up for selection later on with Scotland and the team for the Six Nations.”

[weegie01]

Also, when we saw them at the Connacht game Marshall Sykes was expecting to be back this weekend coming, Ben Muncaster for Leinster.

I do not know if that has changed.

[robmatic]

The whole supporting you neighbour is a tough one. If I’m honest I’ve always found England fans the best to be with on a matchday out of the home nations. Saying that I’ve recently taken up a part time role with my local Welsh club and the lads there are absolutely sound compared to the clowns you encounter in Cardiff or on forums etc.

I would be inclined to support England this week but the fact they are a pretty average team right now puts me off, and for the sake of the sport we need a decent competitive final. Would be an absolute travesty if England somehow fluke a victory and make the final.

I won’t lie though, I did enjoy seeing Ireland going out, for no other reason than their constant whinging and obsession about the SRU not voting for their World Cup bid !

Yeah, obviously England have been effective enough to beat everything in front of them this World Cup, but their attacking play in particular is dreadful and they've not had to face the intensity that the top teams are capable of.

[Yr Alban]

The whole supporting you neighbour is a tough one. If I’m honest I’ve always found England fans the best to be with on a matchday out of the home nations. Saying that I’ve recently taken up a part time role with my local Welsh club and the lads there are absolutely sound compared to the clowns you encounter in Cardiff or on forums etc.

I would be inclined to support England this week but the fact they are a pretty average team right now puts me off, and for the sake of the sport we need a decent competitive final. Would be an absolute travesty if England somehow fluke a victory and make the final.

I won’t lie though, I did enjoy seeing Ireland going out, for no other reason than their constant whinging and obsession about the SRU not voting for their World Cup bid !

I freely acknowledge that Ireland have been the best team in the world for the last couple of years. They’ve been there on merit and deserved to make a SF at least. But I can’t lie either - I was relieved that NZ beat them. I have a NI mate who was already absolutely insufferable about it, and it would have been ten times worse if they had actually won. I thought Wales lacked magnanimity when they were good, but a lot of Irish fans have been taking it to a whole new level. A dose of humility can’t be a bad thing.

[Biffer]

The whole supporting you neighbour is a tough one. If I’m honest I’ve always found England fans the best to be with on a matchday out of the home nations. Saying that I’ve recently taken up a part time role with my local Welsh club and the lads there are absolutely sound compared to the clowns you encounter in Cardiff or on forums etc.

I would be inclined to support England this week but the fact they are a pretty average team right now puts me off, and for the sake of the sport we need a decent competitive final. Would be an absolute travesty if England somehow fluke a victory and make the final.

I won’t lie though, I did enjoy seeing Ireland going out, for no other reason than their constant whinging and obsession about the SRU not voting for their World Cup bid !

But the thing about that is that genuine fans will feel exactly the same way. They're not going to be insulted or upset if we don't support them. It's only the fly by night occasional big tournament supporters who get their noses put out of joint.

[Tichtheid]