Moffat confirms match squad for Ulster clash

Posted on Sep 16, 2010 in Irish Rugby, Magners League, Scottish Rugby

Edinburgh head coach Rob Moffat has today confirmed his match squad for the Magners League clash with Ulster at Ravenhill on Friday night (kick-off 8.05pm, live on BBC ALBA).

The starting XV shows two changes from last week’s game against Munster. Craig Hamilton will pack down in the second row in place of Esteban Lozada, who has resumed light training after receiving a blow to the head in last Friday’s fixture. Roddy Grant returns to the back row, and will captain the side.

Standing by to make his Edinburgh debut at Ravenhill tomorrow is back-five forward Dave Denton, who has been named among the replacements.

The Scotland under-20 star said: “I’m delighted to be involved and will be doing everything I can to make the most of the opportunity if I do get on. I’ve loved every minute of life with Edinburgh since I joined up in the summer and have been working hard to repay the faith the coaches have shown in me.”

Moffat has backed his side to reprise the level of performance that saw them emerge victorious from two of their last three Magners League visits to Belfast. He said: “We go to Ravenhill with a strong side and in the knowledge that we’re more than capable of winning there.

“There’s been a good edge to training this week and a real determination to give a more complete performance than we have in the first two matches.

“It’s good to have Roddy back in harness, and also to be able to call on an experienced campaigner like Craig Hamilton in the second row.

“We’re all delighted that Esteban is making good progress, but the pairing we have this week have played together on many occasions and complement each other well.

“We’re looking forward to the game and can’t wait for it to come.”

EDINBURGH TEAM FOR MAGNERS LEAGUE GAME AGAINST ULSTER AT RAVENHILL ON FRIDAY 17 SEPTEMBER (kick-off 8.05pm, live on BBC ALBA)

15 Chris Paterson

14 Mark Robertson
13 Ben Cairns
12 Alex Grove
11 Tim Visser

10 Phil Godman
9 Mike Blair

1 Allan Jacobsen
2 Ross Ford
3 Geoff Cross
4 Scott MacLeod
5 Craig Hamilton
6 Scott Newlands
8 Netani Talei
7 Roddy Grant CAPTAIN

Substitutes

16 Andrew Kelly
17 Kyle Traynor
18 Jack Gilding
19 Stuart McInally
20 Dave Denton
21 Greig Laidlaw
22 David Blair
23 John Houston

Laidlaw agrees new Edinburgh deal

Posted on Feb 16, 2010 in Rugby News

Greig Laidlaw says he is looking forward to challenging Mike Blair for Edinburgh’s number nine jersey after agreeing a new two year contract with the club.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a productive season so far and has recorded 11 starts including a man-of-the-match display against Stade Francais in the Heineken Cup.

Now Laidlaw says he is aiming to help Edinburgh reach the Magners League Grand Final in May and competing with captain Blair to be the team’s first choice scrum half.

Laidlaw said: “I’m very happy to be signing for another two years. First and foremost, I want to help the team reach the play-offs and challenge for the title.

“Another target is that I want to keep my place in the Edinburgh side. Mike has just signed a new contract as well, so I’m looking forward to the battle.

“I’ve been delighted with how this season has gone so far. I think I’ve developed massively as a player this year.

“I’ve really enjoyed my rugby and I think that has shown on the pitch. I’ve been pleased with some of the performances I’ve put in and long may that continue.”

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2009 Steinlager Rugby Award nominees announced

Posted on Nov 20, 2009 in Rugby News

The nominees for this year’s Steinlager Rugby Awards, New Zealand’s premier rugby awards, have been announced.

The Steinlager Rugby Awards recognise and acknowledge the achievements of New Zealand’s teams, coaches, players, referees and volunteers in 2009. The ceremony will be held at the SkyCity Convention Centre, Auckland, on Thursday 17 December and broadcast live on SKY Sport and The Rugby Channel.

A new name is being introduced for the award which annually recognises the great contribution volunteers make to community rugby. The winner of this year’s volunteer award will be honoured with the Charles Monro Rugby Volunteer of the Year trophy, named after the man who introduced rugby to New Zealand. Nominees are Otago’s Blair Crawford, Auckland’s David Hickey and Peter Te Tai from Southland.

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Home town pride has boosted Edinburgh

Posted on Sep 25, 2009 in Rugby News

Edinburgh first team captain Mike Blair believes the fact that almost half of the club’s 36-man squad were born in the Capital has helped to shape their team spirit and winning mentality as the Magners League leaders head into Saturday’s match against European champions Leinster at Murrayfield (26 September, kick off 6.30pm).

The current squad, containing only one non-Scot, Dutchman Tim Visser, has 17 players who were born in Edinburgh – drawing parallels with football’s legendary ‘Lisbon Lions’.

When Celtic became the first Scottish football team to win the European Cup in 1967 their entire team came from within a 30-mile radius of Parkhead and Blair believes local pride has also helped Edinburgh to achieve success.

Blair said: “I’ve always lived here in Edinburgh and I’ve always aspired to play professional rugby for Edinburgh.

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Hogg: Leinster to be toughest test

Posted on Sep 21, 2009 in Rugby News

Allister Hogg believes Saturday’s Magners League match against European champions, Leinster at Murrayfield (26 September, kick off 6.30pm) will prove to be Edinburgh’s toughest test of the season so far.

Edinburgh have enjoyed a positive start to the new campaign – winning games against Cardiff, Connacht and Ulster.

As a result, Edinburgh head into Saturday’s match situated in top spot in the standings, the team’s best ever start to a Magners League season.

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