Everitt: “The 1872 Cup is the jewel in the crown of a colossal run for Edinburgh.”

Following the international window, the focus has entirely shifted back to the club’s URC campaign. Everitt is delighted to have a large share of players back together and fully committed to the task at hand.

“It’s been a good period to reset, but make no mistake, all eyes are now firmly on the pro game,” said Everitt. “We’ve got a core group of players who have been working relentlessly, and it’s a massive boost to have some of our internationals back too.

“There is a great energy around the place at the moment. This club is about collective success, and the next few weeks are critical for us to make a statement in both the URC and Europe.”

The colossal run of 10-straight weeks of fixtures begins this Saturday night with the visit of Ospreys to Hive Stadium.

With one home game postponed, Everitt is keen to build on the momentum following the brilliant 43-0 win against Benetton in front of the capital faithful.

“Playing only one official home game has been challenging, but we’re keen to continue our good performances at Hive Stadium, feeding off the energy of our supporters and we have missed them.

“This Saturday is a chance to put a marker down. However, the Ospreys are a top-class side, exceptionally well-coached, and they’ll be coming to Edinburgh with fire in their bellies.

“We know it’ll be a tough, physical battle, and we have to be on point from the first whistle.”

The illustrious Investec Champions Cup also returns in December with a blockbuster home opener against French powerhouse RC Toulon – a fixture Everitt believes will be a massive test and a celebration of the club being back at the top table of European rugby.

“European rugby at this time of year has a special kind of magic. Being back in the Champions Cup is huge for us, and drawing a team like Toulon first up at home is simply outstanding,” he said.

“There’s always a special feeling about taking on French giants in our own backyard. It’s a physical challenge, a tactical battle, and an atmosphere unlike any other. It’s exactly where this club wants to be, testing ourselves against the best.”

Attention then quickly turns to the mouth-watering 1872 Cup double-header against Glasgow Warriors – games which always bring an extra layer of passion and meaning over the festive period.

“The 1872 Cup fixtures are unique, and they are the jewel in the crown of this colossal run,” stated Everitt. “There’s just something about playing your biggest rivals over the holidays that makes these games mean more.

“It’s a battle for bragging rights, for the city, and a chance to truly test yourself under immense pressure. We’d love to get our hands back on that trophy, and to do that, we need to bring our absolute best.”

Speaking about the prospect of running out at Scottish Gas Murrayfield for the record-breaking fixture, Everitt added:

“Running out at the home of Scottish Rugby is always special, but when it’s packed to the rafters for the 1872 Cup, it’s an experience like no other.

“Last year’s 40,000+ attendance was incredible, but we want to smash that record. We want every single person in the capital to get behind us and help create a wall of noise. These are the games players remember for their whole careers.”

Everitt has finally issued a rallying cry to the supporters, emphasising the role they will play in the coming weeks.

“The message is simple: we are back, we are ready, and we need your support more than ever.”