Currie voted October’s Scottish Building Society Player of the Month

• 6 Nov 2023
• News

Edinburgh Rugby centre Matt Currie has been voted October’s Scottish Building Society Player of the Month after an impressive run of performances in the capital midfield to start the 2023/24 campaign.

Starting in a new position of inside-centre, Currie has been one of the team’s standout players in the opening three fixtures of the season, with Edinburgh Rugby securing hard-fought wins against Dragons RFC at Rodney Parade and Emirates Lions at Hive Stadium.

Against Dragons RFC in Round 1, Currie was a constant threat with ball in hand while his tenaciousness in defence provided a sound platform from which the capital side were able to battle back and secure a road win.

Up against Emirates Lions, Currie continued to impress in the number 12 jersey with his explosive running off stand-off Ben Healy the difference in providing go-forward ball as Edinburgh Rugby made it two wins from two to start the season.

On being named October’s Scottish Building Society Player of the Month, Currie said: “It was great to start the season off with two wins early on. Leinster was a bit disappointing, but I’ve still really enjoyed playing in the opening games and hopefully we can kick on from here.

“I’ve played most of my rugby at 13 but I’m enjoying the change at the moment and think it’s always helpful to be versatile across a few positions.

“I missed most of last season due to injury so I’m just happy to be back playing and get a few games under my belt – whether that is at 12 or 13 I don’t really mind.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with Sean [Everitt] so far. He’s a really good guy and I like the brand of rugby that he has brought to Edinburgh. Since he came in, he’s been really positive, and I think that’s helped us bring a really good vibe to training.”

As part of Scottish Building Society’s sponsorship of the Player of the Month initiative – which now enters its third year – Edinburgh Rugby ‘s Main Club Partner will once again donate £500 to each winner’s charity or cause of choice.

Currie has chosen to donate the £500 to his former club Dumfries Saints RFC’s mini rugby section, as the grassroots side played a pivotal role in aiding his development to become a pro rugby player.

The centre played his junior rugby in Dumfries before moving to the city’s Merchiston Castle School.

On the £500 donation from Scottish Builing Society, Currie said: “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to give a little bit back to Dumfries.

“That’s where my rugby journey started and where I fell in love with the game. I’ve still got ties with the club as my older brother plays there at the moment and it’s a great club – so hopefully they can put the donation to good use.”

Edinburgh Rugby Senior Coach Sean Everitt has praised Currie’s promising start to the new season, and said:

“Matt has been really impressive in our opening games. He’s been one of our most consistent and hard-working players – he’s got a real honesty about his game, while he brings physicality every time he pulls on the jersey.

“He’s displayed a wide range of skills – running, passing, kicking, defending – and does them all at a very high level. We’re delighted to see him pick up October’s Scottish Building Society Player of the Month award.”