Wells to debut in crunch European clash

17 Jan 2025

Pro-academy winger Lewis Wells will earn his senior debut for Edinburgh Rugby in this Sunday’s EPCR Challenge Cup pool match against Black Lion at Hive Stadium (19 Janaury, kick-off 1pm) – live on Premier Sports.

Edinburgh’s bonus-point victory against Vannes has the side on the edge of knockout rugby, with a win against Black Lion guaranteeing a home Round of 16 tie.

Wells (22) joined the club’s extended pro-academy in the summer, having enjoyed an impressive rise from Linlithgow RFC to the Super Series with Heriot’s, and will run out alongside several of Edinburgh’s Scotland stars this Sunday.

Wells takes the place of Duhan van der Merwe who misses out on selection due to a minor knock (ankle) sustained against Vannes.

Darcy Graham, Matt Currie, Pierre Schoeman, Paddy Harrison, Marshall Sykes, Luke Crosbie and Ewan Ashman are all named in the matchday 23, having this week been selected in Scotland’s squad for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations.

On the match, Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Sean Everitt said: “Sunday’s match is vital for us. To go deep into this tournament, we want to ensure as many of our matches in the knockouts are at home, so we need to put ourselves in the position to do that.

“I’m happy for Lewis. He’s earned his spot in the team, but we know it will be a fierce contest against Black Lion. They’re arriving with a point to prove, so we’ll need to be at our best.”

Wells is joined by Scotland star winger Graham on the opposite flank. The wing duo are named alongside fullback Wes Goosen, who has played every minute so far this season.

Everitt has named an unchanged midfield, with James Lang again at inside centre alongside Matt Currie in the 13 jersey.

Scrum-half Charlie Shiel earns his second start of the season, having helped close out last week’s win over Vannes at the Stade de la Rabine, partnering Ben Healy at halfback.

England international Paul Hill returns to the starting lineup at tighthead, with Pierre Schoeman at loosehead, while hooker Paddy Harrison is promoted from the replacements to start.

The capital engine room is unchanged, with Sam Skinner and Marshall Sykes at lock for consecutive matches.

There are two changes in the loose forwards, with Tom Dodd (blindside flanker) and Magnus Bradbury (number eight) coming into the starting side, joining Luke Crosbie – who will captain the side – completing the pack.

A number of the club’s senior players will feature in a behind-closed-doors hit out with Scotland U20 tomorrow afternoon (Saturday 18 January), with those involved listed below.

Edinburgh Rugby side to face Black Lion at Hive Stadium in the EPCR Challenge Cup
Sunday 19 January, kick-off 1pm – live on Premier Sports

15. Wes Goosen (43)

14. Darcy Graham (74)
13. Matt Currie (50)
12. James Lang (62)
11. Lewis Wells*

10. Ben Healy (32)
9. Charlie Shiel (68)

1. Pierre Schoeman (125)
2. Paddy Harrison (22)
3. Paul Hill (9)
4. Marshall Sykes (75)
5. Sam Skinner (31)
6. Tom Dodd (13)
7. Luke Crosbie CAPTAIN (107)
8. Magnus Bradbury (122)

Replacements

16. Ewan Ashman (28)
17. Boan Venter (78)
18. Javan Sebastian (21)
19. Glen Young (39)
20. Hamish Watson (166)
21. Ali Price (27)
22. Ross Thompson (12)
23. Mosese Tuipulotu (11)

Unavailable: Duhan van der Merwe (ankle), Nathan Sweeney (knee), Grant Gilchrist (hand), Freddy Douglas (ankle), Ross McCann (calf), Ben Muncaster (ankle), Emiliano Boffelli (back), Mark Bennett (pec), Jamie Hodgson (tricep), Connor Boyle (knee).

Senior players involved in ‘A’ team hit out: Robin Hislop, Harri Morris, Rob Carmichael, Liam McConnell, Ben Vellacott, Cammy Scott, Matt Scott, Harry Paterson, Mikey Jones, Angus Williams.