Neild joins as Muncaster ruled out until October

Neild arrived today as the club confirmed number 8 Ben Muncaster is to be ruled out until mid-October after suffering a knee injury in training.

Neild’s arrival supplements a senior squad that was this week bolstered by four FOSROC Super Series players – Ben Smith (Heriot’s Rugby), Corey Tait (Boroughmuir Bears), Lewis Wells (Heriot’s Rugby) and Alfie Scopes (Watsonians) – as well as experienced duo Mitch Eadie (back-row) and Tim Swiel (stand-off).

Neild, 28, links up with a back-row group that is well stocked with both young and experienced Scottish talent, with pro academy players Liam McConnell, Tom Currie, Freddie Douglas and Ollie Duncan set to challenge senior players Connor Boyle, Luke Crosbie, Jamie Richie and Hamish Watson in the coming campaign.

With Ritchie, Watson, Crosbie and Fijian number 8 Bill Mata all unavailable due to the upcoming Rugby World Cup – and Muncaster out until mid-October – Neild’s recruitment provides further experience and competition as the squad build up to next month’s Scottish Building Society Pre-Season Series opener against Connacht at Hive Stadium.

On Neild’s signing, Edinburgh Rugby Senior Coach Sean Everitt, said: “With so many back-row players unavailable due to the Rugby World Cup, and now with Ben’s [Muncaster] unfortunate injury, we felt it was vital to bring in an experienced campaigner who could hit the ground running.

“With over a century of appearances for Sale Sharks, Cameron [Neild] has clocked up a lot of rugby for someone still relatively young. He’ll be an excellent addition to the squad on a short-term deal, providing cover and supplementing our talented back-row group.

“We’re lucky to have so many young, hungry Scottish pro-academy players who are really stepping up in pre-season. They will be looking to challenge our senior guys in the coming weeks as we look ahead to pre-season games against Connacht and Bath.”

Manchester-born Neild brings with him a wealth of rugby experience, having made 113 appearances at Sale Sharks between 2013 and 2022.

The 28-year-old joined Worcester ahead of the 2022/23 season, linking back up with his old Head Coach Steve Diamond, and immediately made his mark on the club – being named captain for their opening match of the season away to London Irish.

The 6’1” back-rower joined rivals Glasgow Warriors last November where he made five appearances at the Scotstoun club before departing at the end of 2022/23 season.