34-man touring squad named for two-week tour

Edinburgh Rugby has confirmed its 34-man touring squad for upcoming BKT URC fixtures against Vodacom Bulls (Saturday 24 September, kick-off 1.30pm BST) and DHL Stormers (Saturday 1 October, kick-off 1pm BST).

Nineteen forwards and 16 backs make the trip, with club co-captains Jamie Ritchie and Grant Gilchrist both involved alongside returning British and Irish Lion back-row, Hamish Watson.

Edinburgh kick-start their two-week tour against Vodacom Bulls this Saturday – live on Premier Sports 2 – in the capital side’s first-ever match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Mike Blair said: “Last season’s two-week tour to South Africa was a really beneficial experience, built on hard work and togetherness – we’ll need those attributes to come to the fore once again as we face two excellent sides.

“We’ve been fortunate enough to get down to South Africa early. We now start a massive week of training for what will be a huge test on Saturday – the Vodacom Bulls are a physical side with a great track record at home.

“We’ve picked an experienced touring squad. We’re excited to represent the city on South African soil once again.”

Edinburgh Rugby touring squad to South Africa

Forwards

Lee-Roy Atalifo
Nick Auterac
Dave Cherry
Luke Crosbie
Luan de Bruin
Grant Gilchrist (cc)
Nick Haining
Viliame Mata
Adam McBurney
Stuart McInally
WP Nel
Pierce Phillips
Jamie Ritchie (cc)
Pierre Schoeman
Sam Skinner
Marshall Sykes
Boan Venter
Hamish Watson
Glen Young

Backs

Mark Bennett
Jack Blain
Matt Currie
Chris Dean
Darcy Graham
Damien Hoyland
Henry Immelman
Blair Kinghorn
James Lang
Harry Paterson
Henry Pyrgos
Charlie Savala
Charlie Shiel
Jaco van der Walt
Ben Vellacott