Press Pass with Sean Everitt

• 24 Apr 2024
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Get the latest from Head Coach Sean Everitt ahead of Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship clash against Cardiff Rugby at Cardiff Arms Park with this week’s Press Pass.

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On getting the Magnus Bradbury deal over the line

“Yes, we’re delighted to sign Magnus. I’ve said it quite openly that we want to get Edinburgh boys back in Edinburgh playing for Edinburgh, and that’s what we’ve achieved by getting Magnus back.

“He was in good form when he left Edinburgh to go to Bristol, and it was great for him to have that experience and I’m sure Edinburgh is going to be better for the two years that he’s had down south.

“So I’m happy for him to be back. He’ll be a good leader within this group, and obviously a strong ball-carrier and a guy that’s been in great form for Bristol.

“We were looking for the right guy to replace Bill Mata. Bill Mata was always going to be a hard guy to replace, being the individual that he is, but we’ve found the right guy in Magnus Bradbury and I know that he’s going to wear the castle on his chest and in his heart. He’s a proud Edinburgh boy.”

On Bradbury returning a better and more consistent player

“Yes, very much so. I think the fact that he’s played so many games for Bristol stands in good stead for us.]

“He’s a leader, we’ve got young loose forwards coming through – Freddy Douglas, Tom Currie and Liam McConnell could learn a lot from a guy like Magnus.

“And being the passionate person that he is about his club, I know that he’ll be wanting to bring those youngsters through, so that’s important for us too.”

On Bradbury still having room to grow and improve

“Yes, I think there’s growth in all rugby players regardless of what age they are. We’re getting Magnus now at an age where he probably understands his body, understands what he’s good at. So that always stands in good stead for the club.

“But at the same time you’ve just seen an improvement in some of the other individuals within our team. I mean, Hamish Watson has been outstanding for us and he’s at the age of 32. Jamie Ritchie has captained Scotland – he’s playing some of his best rugby now.

“So there’s always an opportunity to improve their game, and I’m sure that he’ll come in here wanting to do that. He will see an opportunity to get back into the Scotland side by playing for Edinburgh, and it’s important for us to give him whatever he needs to achieve his international ambitions.”

On Jamie Ritchie’s impressive form

“I think it’s just determination with himself to achieve the highest possible, and that’s for him at this stage to get into the Scottish team. And he wants to be a regular starter in that team.

“He’s worked hard at his game. The fire that he brings on Saturday is the fire that he brings to training every single day that he arrives here at Murrayfield. And it’s just great that he’s getting the rewards for the hard work that he’s put in, the determination that he has to be able to get into the Scottish team.”

On Emiliano Boffelli

“We’re hoping that Boff is going to get through today well and we’ll know that for certain tomorrow morning.

“It’s just how he reacts to the training today. If he does come through well he’ll certainly be considered for selection on the weekend.”

On Harry Paterson and Duhan van der Merwe

“He isn’t far away. I think Harry will return to play post the break next week

“Duhan took a knock to his knee. It’s a contusion, so it’s a soft-tissue injury, and he’ll be available for selection on Saturday.”