Everitt backs youth in Castres clash

The fixture sees Everitt name a squad with a good mix of youth and experience, providing an important opportunity for young players to step up and prove their worth at the highest level.

Everitt is clear that young players will be rewarded for their consistency, noting that: “You have to reward good performances day in and day out at the club.”

He continued: “I think guys like Liam McConnell and Freddy Douglas, and the likes of Tom Currie, who unfortunately is injured – they certainly motivated the youngsters to know that if they get a start and they do well, they can stay in the match 23.

“And that’s what’s happened with a few of our players as well. I’m really excited for a guy like Lewis Wells, who played well and then has now had also a few runs in the jersey. He’s just getting better and better.

The coach has seen the confidence of his young players grow, citing the impact of an increased focus on development.

“What they’re showing me in training is that they’re willing to compete and they’ve learnt a lot from the senior players. They’re challenging the senior players and that for me is pleasing.

The selection also sees opportunities for players like tighthead Ollie Blyth-Lafferty to get a second start, while Jack Brown continues to gain experience at fullback, providing strong cover in the back three.

The decision to back Cammy Scott at fly-half was also crucial, with Everitt stating, “We’d like some continuity there. And obviously, with more time in that number 10 jersey, the better he’s going to get.”

Everitt sees the current selection strategy as part of a natural process of evolution within the squad. While young players are stepping up, they are surrounded by internationals who provide invaluable experience and quality.

“It is part of our process of evolution within the squad,” he confirmed. The young players are not left unsupported, with world-class players around them to guide their development.

“We have to understand that we do need world-class players, and that’s what Pierre Schoeman and Duhan van der Merwe, Darcy Graham, Grant Gilchrist and Ewan Ashman bring.

“And if you look at our front row there with Boan [Venter] there as well as Ashy, there’s an international flavour there as well with Glenn Young that’s played for Scotland recently.

“So, yeah, I think it’s exciting, and yes, it is an opportunity for guys to cement a place in the future squad at Edinburgh.”

This fixture against Castres falls within a grueling 10-week run of matches leading up to the end of January, necessitating a calculated approach to player management.

This block of games is an important chance to manage player welfare, as well as ensure competition for places remains high.

Everitt stated, “It’s good for the squad, it’s good for our team environment, if everyone’s getting an opportunity to play. This means every player has a fair opportunity to compete for a start in the ‘championship team’ moving forward.”

The squad for the Castres fixture is boosted by the return of two players who have been missed in the early part of the season.

Centre Matt Currie is back in the mix after recovering from vertigo and Everitt is delighted to see him fit once again.

“He feels he’s ready to play now,” said Everitt. “He’s an integral part of our team, a guy that’s performed every week that he’s put on the Edinburgh jersey, and he’s gone from strength to strength over the last two seasons. He has been missed.

“His communication, his leadership has been missed, and it’s just great to have him back, and we’ll celebrate the small moments that he has on the park until he gets fully match fit.”

Everitt also welcomed the return of back-rower Connor Boyle off the bench, with academy graduate making his comeback after over 12 months out through injury.

“It’s great that he gets an opportunity off the bench. He’s been a big contributor to Edinburgh Rugby over the last several years and he’s only turning 26 now.

“So he’s got a lot of rugby left in him and we’re looking forward to welcoming him back onto the field.”

Edinburgh faces a challenging task against a Castres side who are historically strong at home and will be motivated after a Round 1 loss to Gloucester, but Everitt’s faith in his evolving, competitive squad remains high.

“Don’t underestimate the part that these guys will bring on Sunday at Castres – and we are looking for a victory.”