Press Pass: Edinburgh bolstered by internationalists return

• 27 Nov 2024
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Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Sean Everitt is relishing the return of several experienced Scotland internationalists ahead of the capital side’s crucial BKT United Rugby Championship clash with Benetton at Hive Stadium on Saturday night.

The likes of Darcy Graham, Jamie Ritchie and Pierre Schoeman are back in the mix, and Everitt believes their experience will be invaluable for the team.

“They’ve come back in today and done medicals after the Autumn Tests,” he confirmed. “They’re all available for selection against Benetton.”

One player that has returned to the training paddock, having sorely been missed due to injury, is lock Sam Skinner.

“He’s ready to go,” Everitt said. “He’s brought a lot of energy over the last couple of weeks. He’s feeling like a new man now he’s gone through an extensive rehabilitation. He can’t wait to get on the field.”

Skinner’s return will bolster Edinburgh’s pack, both physically and mentally.

“He’s got a lot of experience, not only in the Premiership and Test rugby but he’s respected here within our group. He’s got leadership experience and he runs the lineout well too,” Everitt added.

Star wingers Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham are all smiles in training.

Another player making his way back to full fitness is James Lang, with the experienced centre knocking on the door for a return to acton.

“Likewise we’ve got James Lang coming back which adds to our depth and it is quite exciting for us going forward,” Everitt said.

While the return of experienced players is a major boost, there are also opportunities for younger players ready to make their mark.

“There’s also opportunities for youngsters over the next few weeks, like Lewis Wells, if we have any more injuries,” Everitt noted.

One young player who has impressed Everitt is Freddy Douglas. The up and coming back-row is fresh off a month to remember having made his Scotland debut against Portugal before impressing in the recent ‘A’ team victory over Chile at Hive Stadium.

“We’re monitoring [Freddy’s] progress. I think he has done well. He is a youngster learning his trade but at the same time he’s got an X Factor which is being able to jackal really well. I think he won five turnovers against Chile which does put him in the reckoning,” Everitt said.