NPR

Former Scotland centre Scott Hastings has revealed he is undergoing treatment for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

When he retired, he was Scotland’s most-capped player ever. Twice a member of the British Lions in 1989 (Australia) and 1993 (New Zealand) where he suffered a shattered cheekbone and did not play against the All Blacks.

He wrote on Twitter: “Thanks for all your supportive messages that are helping me get through my chemo for Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

“I am half-way through treatment which is going well apart from hair! @JennyHastings17 Corey @KAHastings1996 Can’t wait to be together again later this summer! #cancer.”

At 1:52 on the clock, Heriots intercept inside their own 22 and kick downfield. Watsonians right wing Lomond McPherson chases all the way back to field the ball just short of his own goal line. He then starts the attack which he follows all the way back to score in the opposite corner from where he started.

He has in other words he basically sprinted the length of the pitch twice. He looked a bit tired at the end.

Lomond was tipped by a lot of people (including myself) to be a stand out in the Super 6. But his game fell away and he's been poor this season although now coming back into form.

However, Lewis Berg at centre has been a consistent stand out; he really should be playing pro.

weegie01 wrote: ↑Sun May 08, 2022 7:58 pm At 1:52 on the clock, Heriots intercept inside their own 22 and kick downfield. Watsonians right wing Lomond McPherson chases all the way back to field the ball just short of his own goal line. He then starts the attack which he follows all the way back to score in the opposite corner from where he started.

He has in other words he basically sprinted the length of the pitch twice. He looked a bit tired at the end.

Lomond was tipped by a lot of people (including myself) to be a stand out in the Super 6. But his game fell away and he's been poor this season although now coming back into form.

However, Lewis Berg at centre has been a consistent stand out; he really should be playing pro.

I think McPherson lacks the physical attributes to ever really threaten the pro ranks but he's a lovely runner and has a good skillset.

I disagree about Berg - I don't think over the course of the super6 he's been much better than McCallum who isn't close to Glasgow's squad despite being stage3. Berg must be what 25 now too? As Edinburgh's 3rd/Glasgow's 4th choice 12 there's not much gametime for him or developmental upside there. Chris Dean also is noticeably too good for the super6 when he drops down and Berg just isn't that level (understandable but that's the level he'd have to be at pro).

Sonians and Heriots have taken an interesting approach to the sprint series. The other clubs are playing a lot of young guys and a lot of rotation but those two are rolling out their experienced first 15s every week.

I like neeps wrote: ↑Sun May 08, 2022 8:30 pm

weegie01 wrote: ↑Sun May 08, 2022 7:58 pm At 1:52 on the clock, Heriots intercept inside their own 22 and kick downfield. Watsonians right wing Lomond McPherson chases all the way back to field the ball just short of his own goal line. He then starts the attack which he follows all the way back to score in the opposite corner from where he started.

He has in other words he basically sprinted the length of the pitch twice. He looked a bit tired at the end.

Lomond was tipped by a lot of people (including myself) to be a stand out in the Super 6. But his game fell away and he's been poor this season although now coming back into form.

However, Lewis Berg at centre has been a consistent stand out; he really should be playing pro.

I think McPherson lacks the physical attributes to ever really threaten the pro ranks but he's a lovely runner and has a good skillset.

I disagree about Berg - I don't think over the course of the super6 he's been much better than McCallum who isn't close to Glasgow's squad despite being stage3. Berg must be what 25 now too? As Edinburgh's 3rd/Glasgow's 4th choice 12 there's not much gametime for him or developmental upside there. Chris Dean also is noticeably too good for the super6 when he drops down and Berg just isn't that level (understandable but that's the level he'd have to be at pro).

Sonians and Heriots have taken an interesting approach to the sprint series. The other clubs are playing a lot of young guys and a lot of rotation but those two are rolling out their experienced first 15s every week.

Former Glenrothes Club Captain Ross Hutchinson came off the bench for Heriots yesterday. 2 years ago he was playing in Caley 1, now playing for Heriots and got promoted this year. Big step up for him.

Berg was at school with one of my sons, so 24. I just think he has done the basics well week in week out for years, a lot of Watsonians back play revolves around that. I think he could do that job a level up, but opinions differ and that's fine.

For me Super6 at this point is a stage in a developmental journey for players with a high ceiling when we are considering its links to the pro game. I think its unlikely that guys like Berg will progress to the pro game as they are unlikely to have much more development in their game at 24/25. Guys like Christian Townsend or Harry Paterson, on the other hand, are likely to have a couple of years of improvement left to them at 19/20 and so can use Super6 as a way to keep gametime high as well as starting to test themselves against the kind of physicallity they will encounter at pro level whilst also developing those skills.

It was great to see that 3 of the 6 Super6 sides had young Scottish 10s playing at the weekend in Townsend, cunningham and Chamberlain.

Big D wrote: ↑Sun May 08, 2022 9:11 pm

I like neeps wrote: ↑Sun May 08, 2022 8:30 pm

weegie01 wrote: ↑Sun May 08, 2022 7:58 pm At 1:52 on the clock, Heriots intercept inside their own 22 and kick downfield. Watsonians right wing Lomond McPherson chases all the way back to field the ball just short of his own goal line. He then starts the attack which he follows all the way back to score in the opposite corner from where he started.

He has in other words he basically sprinted the length of the pitch twice. He looked a bit tired at the end.

Lomond was tipped by a lot of people (including myself) to be a stand out in the Super 6. But his game fell away and he's been poor this season although now coming back into form.

However, Lewis Berg at centre has been a consistent stand out; he really should be playing pro.

I think McPherson lacks the physical attributes to ever really threaten the pro ranks but he's a lovely runner and has a good skillset.

I disagree about Berg - I don't think over the course of the super6 he's been much better than McCallum who isn't close to Glasgow's squad despite being stage3. Berg must be what 25 now too? As Edinburgh's 3rd/Glasgow's 4th choice 12 there's not much gametime for him or developmental upside there. Chris Dean also is noticeably too good for the super6 when he drops down and Berg just isn't that level (understandable but that's the level he'd have to be at pro).

Sonians and Heriots have taken an interesting approach to the sprint series. The other clubs are playing a lot of young guys and a lot of rotation but those two are rolling out their experienced first 15s every week.

Former Glenrothes Club Captain Ross Hutchinson came off the bench for Heriots yesterday. 2 years ago he was playing in Caley 1, now playing for Heriots and got promoted this year. Big step up for him.

Yeah fair and good on him - you get a lot more club players in the sprint than the super6 - Bulls, Stirling and Knights are using a fair few. Generally though and results bear this out Watsonians and Heriots are playing noticeably stronger squads.

I like neeps wrote: ↑Mon May 09, 2022 11:37 am

Big D wrote: ↑Sun May 08, 2022 9:11 pm

I like neeps wrote: ↑Sun May 08, 2022 8:30 pm

I think McPherson lacks the physical attributes to ever really threaten the pro ranks but he's a lovely runner and has a good skillset.

I disagree about Berg - I don't think over the course of the super6 he's been much better than McCallum who isn't close to Glasgow's squad despite being stage3. Berg must be what 25 now too? As Edinburgh's 3rd/Glasgow's 4th choice 12 there's not much gametime for him or developmental upside there. Chris Dean also is noticeably too good for the super6 when he drops down and Berg just isn't that level (understandable but that's the level he'd have to be at pro).

Sonians and Heriots have taken an interesting approach to the sprint series. The other clubs are playing a lot of young guys and a lot of rotation but those two are rolling out their experienced first 15s every week.

Former Glenrothes Club Captain Ross Hutchinson came off the bench for Heriots yesterday. 2 years ago he was playing in Caley 1, now playing for Heriots and got promoted this year. Big step up for him.

Yeah fair and good on him - you get a lot more club players in the sprint than the super6 - Bulls, Stirling and Knights are using a fair few. Generally though and results bear this out Watsonians and Heriots are playing noticeably stronger squads.

I agree, wasn't suggesting their squads weren't strong. Just nice to see guys rise through leagues and take chances when they come.

Moyano is a huge loss. Without a good replacement Boffelli will end up on the wing with Immelman at FB. Boffelli should be the 2st choice FB.

Jock42 wrote: ↑Wed May 11, 2022 9:51 am

Moyano is a huge loss. Without a good replacement Boffelli will end up on the wing with Immelman at FB. Boffelli should be the 2st choice FB.

Probably difficult to hold on to him. Still got a good set of back three available though - Boffeli, Immlemann, Graham, Blain, Hoyland, with Henry hopefully stepping up fom the Academy and potentially Jaco at full back sometimes as well. If Owsley can improve the positioning and tackling aspects he can contribute as well.

Edit - bit disappointed Grahamslaw is going tbh, 23 is young for a prop.

Jock42 wrote: ↑Wed May 11, 2022 9:51 am

Moyano is a huge loss. Without a good replacement Boffelli will end up on the wing with Immelman at FB. Boffelli should be the 2st choice FB.

Shite, that is bad news. Any word on where Moyano is going?

The writing was on the wall for Chamberlain, shame, he was ahead of Ross Thompson for the 20s iirc. Grahamslaw is off to Jersey, that will help his game develop but we have a chronic lack of Scottish props in the pro game.
Taylor was announced a few months ago, the damned concussion. JJ has been good for Edinburgh, he'll always have that try v Toulon.

I hope Maggie does well, it might do him good to get a change of scenery.

Nothing in the article re Moyano.

I agree about Bradbury. The backrow is well stocked and it's good for Scotland to have both him and Muncaster getting game time. With both at Ed it's obviously more limited plus you've to take into account Mata and Kunavula.

Think we all seen the writing on the wall with Chamberlain. It's a pity as I thought he had a few decent games and never got a decent shot under Cockerill.

Yeah, back row is still loaded - Watson, Ritchie, Mata, Crosbie, Muncaster, Kunavula, Boyle, Haining, Skinner to cover 6 sometimes and possibly Brown pushing on from the academy.

Schooooooe is staying for a while longer

westport wrote: ↑Thu May 12, 2022 2:24 pm Schooooooe is staying for a while longer

Yeah, terrific news. Doesn't have a duration but sways a long term deal so two years minimum.

westport wrote: ↑Thu May 12, 2022 2:24 pm Schooooooe is staying for a while longer

Thats great news. I'm sure he wouldn't have been shy of offers.

Jock42 wrote: ↑Thu May 12, 2022 5:34 pm

westport wrote: ↑Thu May 12, 2022 2:24 pm Schooooooe is staying for a while longer

Thats great news. I'm sure he wouldn't have been shy of offers.

Absolutely, especially the way he has been playing this season.

westport wrote: ↑Thu May 12, 2022 5:59 pm

Jock42 wrote: ↑Thu May 12, 2022 5:34 pm

westport wrote: ↑Thu May 12, 2022 2:24 pm Schooooooe is staying for a while longer

Thats great news. I'm sure he wouldn't have been shy of offers.

Absolutely, especially the way he has been playing this season.

From what he says in the article on the Edinburgh website, he loves it here.

Jock42 wrote: ↑Thu May 12, 2022 5:34 pm

westport wrote: ↑Thu May 12, 2022 2:24 pm Schooooooe is staying for a while longer

Thats great news. I'm sure he wouldn't have been shy of offers.

I think like Nel, he has really taken to Edinburgh and Scotland. IIRC they are both close so potentially WP has had a word saying you'll get looked after really well here and paid well too. He'd get more elsewhere but being honest, Edinburgh/SRU couldn't afford another SQ prop walking

Big D wrote: ↑Fri May 13, 2022 7:50 am

Jock42 wrote: ↑Thu May 12, 2022 5:34 pm

westport wrote: ↑Thu May 12, 2022 2:24 pm Schooooooe is staying for a while longer

Thats great news. I'm sure he wouldn't have been shy of offers.

I think like Nel, he has really taken to Edinburgh and Scotland. IIRC they are both close so potentially WP has had a word saying you'll get looked after really well here and paid well too. He'd get more elsewhere but being honest, Edinburgh/SRU couldn't afford another SQ prop walking

Schooey was probably offered a very good deal, he'll be one the of top earners now and maybe that goes some ways to explain Moyano walking away - we have to cut our cloth etc.

He's adored by the fans, the "Schooo" call going up whenever he gets his hands on the ball is a hoot. The team is on the way up in terms of the style of play, the new stadium seems to be very popular with the players, Edinburgh is a fantastic place to live if you have a bit of money, especially for a young couple.

He seems a genuinely likeable guy, I'm happy to have someone to transfer my man-love towards when WP finally hangs up his boots.

Dingwall and Arundell understandably staying English.

Big D wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 11:26 am Dingwall and Arundell understandably staying English.

Arundell more understandably as he is English through and through. Dingwall could have gone either way, he played age-grade for us and his dad is Scottish.

Dingwall's been called up for these squads a few times, I don't think anything's really changed there.

Mark Bennett is staying at Edinburgh for a while longer

JM2K6 wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 12:13 pm Dingwall's been called up for these squads a few times, I don't think anything's really changed there.

No, nothings changed. Arundell would have been a poach, Dingwall a fair call up.

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 2:01 pm

JM2K6 wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 12:13 pm Dingwall's been called up for these squads a few times, I don't think anything's really changed there.

No, nothings changed. Arundell would have been a poach, Dingwall a fair call up.

Right - but also Dingwall's yet to actually be capped, so it's not like some final decision has been made on his part. Loyalties aside, if I were him I'd be tempted to look at Scotland given Eddie's already started taking a look at hyped younger centres (with famous names) and Tuilagi/Marchant/Slade around as well.

In other words, he could still make the switch, and if it were purely on desire to play international rugby for more than a couple of matches he should probably consider it.

westport wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 1:31 pm Mark Bennett is staying at Edinburgh for a while longer

Yeah, good news, he's been back to his best this season.

There was a bit about a trio of leaving players in TOL from Mike Blair


Meanwhile, Blair explained the circumstances behind last week’s news that Argentinean winger Ramiro Moyano, who has scored nine tries in 13 appearances for the club since his arrival last summer, will move on after just one season.

“He signed a one-year contract with us and we had to make a decision fairly early on in the season about him because of the balance and make-up of the squad we’ve got,” explained Blair. “So, we probably made that decision, unfortunately for him, a little bit early because he’s been extremely impressive on and off the pitch.

“He’s got a great relationship with all the players, who love the way he just gets on with things. In his last game, he’d hurt his bicep and tried tackling with one shoulder because that’s the kind of guy he is – he was on the pitch and wanted to the best for his team-mates.”

That injury means Moyano has almost certainly now played his last game for the club.
Recent academy graduates Sam Grahamslaw (a loose-head prop) and Nathan Chamberlain (a stand-off) were also on the list of seven departees announced last Wednesday.

“This isn’t a decision you take lightly, it is a horrible thing to do, but I looked at things from Scottish Rugby’s point of view, I looked at it from the individual’s point of view and I looked at it from Edinburgh Rugby’s point of view, and in all three cases my feeling was that it was best to try and get them some rugby elsewhere,” he said.

“Sam has been in the environment for a couple of seasons and played three or four games, so that’s not good for his development and it’s not good for Scottish Rugby that he’s not playing regularly and improving though getting experience

“We tried to get Nathan some rugby through Super6, to get him some time in the saddle.

“These are young players and if we want to see the best of them coming through, then my thoughts are that rather than sitting here as third or fourth choice, that we’d give them the opportunity to go and get some game-time elsewhere, and hopefully in two years time they come back and stick their fingers up and say to us: ‘Put an extra zero on that offer you were going to show me last year because this is how good I am now’.

“It is a really difficult one, especially when you bring in someone like Jamie Jack [a 25-year-old loose-head prop signed from English Championship side Ampthill last week] who is not Scottish qualified, but we see a bit of a rough diamond in Jamie and it allows Sam to get some rugby elsewhere to develop, and I believe that’s best Scottish Rugby at the moment.

“It’s not just my decision. There are obviously discussions in and around it with upstairs at the SRU, with other coaches and with Doug Struth [Edinburgh’s managing director] as well. These are conversations which are ongoing. It is a complicated situation trying to sort out the budget and how best to develop players. It is an interesting mix.”

JM2K6 wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 2:04 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 2:01 pm

JM2K6 wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 12:13 pm Dingwall's been called up for these squads a few times, I don't think anything's really changed there.

No, nothings changed. Arundell would have been a poach, Dingwall a fair call up.

Right - but also Dingwall's yet to actually be capped, so it's not like some final decision has been made on his part. Loyalties aside, if I were him I'd be tempted to look at Scotland given Eddie's already started taking a look at hyped younger centres (with famous names) and Tuilagi/Marchant/Slade around as well.

In other words, he could still make the switch, and if it were purely on desire to play international rugby for more than a couple of matches he should probably consider it.

Sorry, completely missed your point. Yes, I agree with all of that.

JM2K6 wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 2:04 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 2:01 pm

JM2K6 wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 12:13 pm Dingwall's been called up for these squads a few times, I don't think anything's really changed there.

No, nothings changed. Arundell would have been a poach, Dingwall a fair call up.

Right - but also Dingwall's yet to actually be capped, so it's not like some final decision has been made on his part. Loyalties aside, if I were him I'd be tempted to look at Scotland given Eddie's already started taking a look at hyped younger centres (with famous names) and Tuilagi/Marchant/Slade around as well.

In other words, he could still make the switch, and if it were purely on desire to play international rugby for more than a couple of matches he should probably consider it.

Eddie Jones is gone next year though. Why commit to Scotland before you know the next HC?

JM2K6 wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 2:04 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 2:01 pm

JM2K6 wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 12:13 pm Dingwall's been called up for these squads a few times, I don't think anything's really changed there.

No, nothings changed. Arundell would have been a poach, Dingwall a fair call up.

Right - but also Dingwall's yet to actually be capped, so it's not like some final decision has been made on his part. Loyalties aside, if I were him I'd be tempted to look at Scotland given Eddie's already started taking a look at hyped younger centres (with famous names) and Tuilagi/Marchant/Slade around as well.

In other words, he could still make the switch, and if it were purely on desire to play international rugby for more than a couple of matches he should probably consider it.

Zach Mercer (discarded after 2 caps) would agree, I’m sure. The trouble is that Hutchinson isn’t exactly going to be egging his mate on to declare for Scotland, given he has been discarded after 5 caps himself.

The Redpath example shows us that all isn’t lost (he was training with the England squad and picked to tour before he got injured) but Dingwall may well be looking at us as a team going nowhere fast.

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 5:51 pm

JM2K6 wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 2:04 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 2:01 pm

No, nothings changed. Arundell would have been a poach, Dingwall a fair call up.

Right - but also Dingwall's yet to actually be capped, so it's not like some final decision has been made on his part. Loyalties aside, if I were him I'd be tempted to look at Scotland given Eddie's already started taking a look at hyped younger centres (with famous names) and Tuilagi/Marchant/Slade around as well.

In other words, he could still make the switch, and if it were purely on desire to play international rugby for more than a couple of matches he should probably consider it.

Zach Mercer (discarded after 2 caps) would agree, I’m sure. The trouble is that Hutchinson isn’t exactly going to be egging his mate on to declare for Scotland, given he has been discarded after 5 caps himself.

The Redpath example shows us that all isn’t lost (he was training with the England squad and picked to tour before he got injured) but Dingwall may well be looking at us as a team going nowhere fast.

I'm not so sure it is true Mercer would agree. He lived his dream of playing for his country, is making bank in Montpelier and will be back in the England frame when he returns. In all the podcast interviews with him he's only ever sounded passionate about playing for England as well. He also couldn't have played for Scotland anyway as soon as he left school for Bath.

I like neeps wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 4:47 pm

JM2K6 wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 2:04 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 2:01 pm

No, nothings changed. Arundell would have been a poach, Dingwall a fair call up.

Right - but also Dingwall's yet to actually be capped, so it's not like some final decision has been made on his part. Loyalties aside, if I were him I'd be tempted to look at Scotland given Eddie's already started taking a look at hyped younger centres (with famous names) and Tuilagi/Marchant/Slade around as well.

In other words, he could still make the switch, and if it were purely on desire to play international rugby for more than a couple of matches he should probably consider it.

Eddie Jones is gone next year though. Why commit to Scotland before you know the next HC?

The reference to Eddie is more about him being mucked about a bit with these training camps but no real callups. Regardless of who the head coach is, Dingwall still has to compete with Tuilagi, Marchant, Slade, Odogwu, Lawrence, and the youngsters starting to get noticed like Joseph. Scotland, by virtue of just not having as many players, are not going to be providing the same quantity of players for the shirt.

JM2K6 wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 2:04 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 2:01 pm

JM2K6 wrote: ↑Tue May 17, 2022 12:13 pm Dingwall's been called up for these squads a few times, I don't think anything's really changed there.

No, nothings changed. Arundell would have been a poach, Dingwall a fair call up.

Right - but also Dingwall's yet to actually be capped, so it's not like some final decision has been made on his part. Loyalties aside, if I were him I'd be tempted to look at Scotland given Eddie's already started taking a look at hyped younger centres (with famous names) and Tuilagi/Marchant/Slade around as well.

In other words, he could still make the switch, and if it were purely on desire to play international rugby for more than a couple of matches he should probably consider it.

Wasn't suggesting anything other than it makes sense for them at this stage to "understandably remain English". Helps club contracts, England pay a higher match fee (I know they pool them now but still higher that Scotland) and England should be a lot better when they get a coach capable of utilising their talents. I jest about Arundell, it would have been a bit cheeky to poach him really, but Dingwall could add something to us and would have been a nice addition.

I do wonder whether Townsend will go after Roebuck and Fin Smith, both can contribute.

Huw Jones back at Glasgow: not sure I get it to be honest.

Huw Jones returns to Glasgow.

He's an exciting player but I'm not sure about Glasgow's recent policy of bringing former players back. Not many have worked out very well.

robmatic wrote: ↑Wed May 18, 2022 11:24 am Huw Jones returns to Glasgow.

He's an exciting player but I'm not sure about Glasgow's recent policy of bringing former players back. Not many have worked out very well.

I get the feeling that with the likes of Richie Gray it's to keep him in a contract. Jamie Bhati has been good back at Glasgow. Nakarawa was the one that really didn't work out, he was goosed before he got to Scotstoun. Niko was okay without quite hitting the previous highs.

Having Tuipulotu, Steyn and Jones going for the 13 shirt is pretty strong

Steyn seems to be viewed as a winger only so depth maybe a bit short, but given he has played as a fullback most of this year it seems an odd choice. Presumably this spells the end for McDowall also?

Won't they be using Huw at 15...?

charltom wrote: ↑Wed May 18, 2022 12:04 pm Won't they be using Huw at 15...?

Possibly, but Glasgow have two Kiwi fullbacks who have been playing well, Cole Forbes and Josh MacKay plus a very useful youngster in Ollie Smith.

He's not going to push Hogg out of the Scotland starting shirt. It will be interesting to see where the Glasgow coaches see him fitting in

Although I'm beginning to accept it might not happen, I just want to see Huw Jones back to his best.