Laidlaw captains Edinburgh against Munster

Posted on Feb 18, 2010 in Rugby News

Greig Laidlaw will captain a new-look Edinburgh side for the trip to Magners League champions Munster on Friday evening (19 February, kick off 8pm, live on Setanta Ireland) and head coach Rob Moffat believes the scrum-half has the right skill-set to lead the side to a positive result.

Laidlaw, 24, signed a new two year contract with Edinburgh on Monday and has been rewarded with the captaincy for the trip to Cork to face the tournament title holders.

Moffat says that his elevation to captain was a logical choice and will lead to a seamless transition should replacement Mike Blair be introduced into the action during the game.

Moffat said: “Greig is playing consistently well and I think he is a natural leader.

“At scrum half, he is in a good position to captain the side and, with Mike on the bench, it means if we make the change then there is a straight swap.”

Laidlaw forms a half-back combination with David Blair, who makes his first appearance for Edinburgh since damaging his ankle against Bath in December.

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New look back row for Gael Force intent on a more physical approach

Posted on Nov 26, 2009 in Rugby News

Gael Force head coach Stephen Gemmell has freshened up his starting line-up ahead of the team’s second match in the British and Irish Cup at Exeter Chiefs on Saturday 21 November (kick off 3pm) by making nine changes and has drafted rejuvenated Scotland internationalist David Callam into his side.

Following the opening day 29-8 loss at Cornish Pirates, Gemmell has reshuffled his pack and introduced a new-look back-row containing 26-year-old Callam, who has recently recovered from a long-term hip problem, and Scotland ‘A’ internationalists James Eddie and Calum Forrester.

National Academy players Colin Phillips (prop) and Robert Harley (lock) have been handed starting spots in the front five and Gemmell is aiming to see a more physical showing from his pack.

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Rennie makes comeback in Gael Force’s cup opener

Posted on Nov 19, 2009 in Rugby News

Gael Force head coach Stephen Gemmell welcomes Ross Rennie back to action for the opening match of the British and Irish Cup at Cornish Pirates on Sunday 22 November (kick off 2pm) – the first competitive match the Scotland flanker has played for 11 months.

Before he underwent knee surgery, Rennie’s last outing was for Edinburgh against Glasgow in late December and the 23-year-old says he is delighted to return.

Rennie said: “I’m excited to be back playing again and I would like to thank everyone who has helped me to recover from my injury, especially Edinburgh physio Jo Stephen, conditioning coach Bill Knowles and surgeon Andy Williams.”

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