They are Lee Jones, the 23-year-old Edinburgh Rugby wing; Stuart Hogg, the 19-year-old Glasgow Warriors full-back; his team-mates, stand-off Duncan Weir, 20 and flanker/lock Robert Harley, 21; Sale Sharks’ former Edinburgh and Dunfermline flanker/lock, 23-year-old Fraser McKenzie; and 20-year-old London Irish centre Steven Shingler.

All 28 available players from last year’s Rugby World Cup squad are included – Chris Paterson and Nathan Hines have now retired – while potential Six Nations debuts could lie ahead for the Edinburgh duo, Greig Laidlaw and David Denton, both of whom have been capped in the EMC Test windows.

Jones, a product of Selkirk has graduated from both Scotland 7s and Scotland A team and has scored six tries in 28 appearances for Edinburgh since making his debut in a pre-season friendly against London Irish in 2010.

Hogg – whose father John was a championship winning full-back and top-notch referee from Hawick, and brother Graham played both age-grade and 7s for Scotland – has won promotion from the Scotland under-20 squad.  He made his Glasgow debut last February against the Dragons and has now played 17 times for the Warriors, scoring two tries. Last week Hogg signed a contract that will keep with Glasgow Warriors until at least May 2015.

Weir is currently the top-scorer in the RaboDirect PRO 12 league (145 points) and has represented Scotland at A, 7s and age-grade levels, while both Harley and McKenzie have been part of Scotland squads in the recent past and made a considerable impact in the Scotland A team.

Shingler, born in Swansea and who joined London Irish from Scarlets at the start of this season, qualifies for Scotland through his Dumfries born mum, Jeanette. 

He said: “I would be massively proud to play for Scotland.   My upbringing from my mother means I’ve always known about Scotland. 

“I’ve got my gran, auntie, two uncles and two cousins in Langholm and other than the past year I’ve been up 15 years on the bounce to see them around the time of the Common Riding and I’ve competed in the Games as well.”

Robinson said: “I am pleased to reflect on the winning displays we have seen from both Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors over the last two months and the contribution a number of our uncapped players have made to them.

“I think what’s also encouraging is that a number of players who have forced their way into contention in that period and who have not made the squad this time, are really knocking on the door and that competition for places can only raise our standards, so this Scotland squad can be very much a work in progress over the coming months.

“We said after the Rugby World Cup that the challenge the Scotland squad must confront is to get on with the business of winning international rugby matches.  Potential counts for nothing if you don’t deliver results.”

The squad will gather at St Andrews on the week beginning Monday 23 January before it is trimmed for match specific preparations for Scotland’s opening game of the championship against England at Murrayfield on Saturday 4 February.

Scotland squad (sponsor RBS) for the matches against England (4 February) and Wales (12 February) in the 2012 RBS 6 Nations Championship:

Backs: Joe Ansbro (London Irish), Mike Blair (Edinburgh Rugby), Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors), Simon Danielli (Ulster), Nick De Luca (Edinburgh Rugby), Max Evans (Castres), Stuart Hogg, Ruaridh Jackson (both Glasgow Warriors), Lee Jones, Greig Laidlaw (both Edinburgh Rugby), Rory Lamont (Glasgow Warriors), Sean Lamont (Scarlets), Rory Lawson (Gloucester), Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors), Dan Parks (Cardiff Blues), Steven Shingler (London Irish) and Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors)

Forwards: John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors), Kelly Brown (Saracens), Geoff Cross, David Denton (both Edinburgh Rugby), Alasdair Dickinson (Sale Sharks), Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby), Richie Gray, Dougie Hall (both Glasgow Warriors), Jim Hamilton (Gloucester), Robert Harley (Glasgow Warriors), Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh Rugby), Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Lawson (Gloucester), Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors), Fraser McKenzie (Sale Sharks), Euan Murray (Newcastle Falcons), Ross Rennie (Edinburgh Rugby), Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester) and Richie Vernon (Sale Sharks). 

Two wins from three in Heineken Cup Pool 2 means Edinburgh Rugby are just three points behind this weekend’s opponents, who leapfrogged Edinburgh into the Pool’s top spot in the reverse fixture last Friday (25-8).

Now, with home advantage, the capital club have the chance to redress the Pool positions, with a win capable of restoring Edinburgh to the top spot with two matches remaining – Racing Metro away followed by London Irish at Murrayfield.

The selection of Blair and Laidlaw is the only change in the Edinburgh Rugby back-line, while two personnel changes have been made in the pack – Grant Gilchrist and Netani Talei coming in for Esteban Lozada and Stuart McInally in the second and back-row.

Talei’s introduction means there’s no room for McInally in the match-day 23, with Ross Rennie retaining the back-row replacement berth, while Lozada takes Steven Turnbull’s place on the bench.

Talei, who started and scored in the club’s last home Heineken Cup match against Racing Metro, said: “Everyone’s looking forward to this game, the boys are confident and have been focussed on this match since we left Cardiff on Saturday. It’s a big, big game for us.

"Cardiff have the ability to slot points from pretty much anywhere within 50 metres so we can’t afford to give away cheap penalties.

“We have to tackle the basics first at the ruck and the tackle area – that’s what Cardiff are very good at. If we put our focus there first and give our backs the go forward we’re capable of scoring tries from anywhere around the park."

Other notable inclusions see centre Matt Scott return from a hip injury sustained in the side’s 48-47 win over Racing Metro, while the experienced Phil Godman provides the half-back replacement option for Laidlaw and Blair from the bench.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh Rugby team to play Cardiff Blues in round four of the Heineken Cup at Murrayfield Stadium on Friday 16 December (kick-off 8pm)

15 Chris Paterson

14 Lee Jones

13 Nick De Luca

12 James King

11 Tim Visser

10 Greig Laidlaw CAPTAIN

9 Mike Blair

1 Allan Jacobsen

2 Ross Ford

3 Geoff Cross

4 Grant Gilchrist

5 Sean Cox

6 David Denton

7 Roddy Grant

8 Netani Talei

Substitutes

16 Steven Lawrie

17 Kyle Traynor

18 Jack Gilding

19 Esteban Lozada

20 Ross Rennie

21 Phil Godman

22 Matt Scott

23 Tom Brown

Both sides are unbeaten in the Pool, with Edinburgh taking the top spot by virtue of a four-try bonus point picked up in last month’s 11-try encounter with Racing Metro (48-47).

They face a Cardiff side whose impressive run of five consecutive wins in all competitions was interrupted last Friday as a weakened side were undone by Cup champions Leinster (52-9) at the RDS.

This run, combined with an away victory over Edinburgh in the opening match of the RaboDirect PRO12 season will no doubt fill the hosts with confidence ahead of this clash of capitals.

Edinburgh however have been increasingly impressive of late, since an away win over Treviso sparked a similar run of form, stuttering against Munster away, but returning against Aironi at Murrayfield last weekend, as they ran in seven tries to make seven home wins from nine (50-10).

Speaking at today’s press conference, head coach Michael Bradley, said: “Cardiff away will be a significant challenge indeed and is a match that will demand our utmost attention to every aspect of our game.

“We have a lot of respect for Cardiff, their players and the way they play the game. There is no hiding from the fact that they have favourable position to ours in the RaboDirect PRO12 and have already beaten us at Murrayfield this season.

“However, we must have faith in our ability, something which has been gathering steam in the past six weeks.

“Our season has a degree of momentum to it, with the recent wins in the Heineken Cup and good wins over the Italian sides, home and away.

“If we maintain the consistency of these improvements in this double-header then we are capable of achieving out goal, which is to keep our place at the top of this group and qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.”

Edinburgh Rugby 25-man squad to play Cardiff Blues in round three of the Heineken Cup (Pool 2) at the Cardiff City Stadium this Friday (9 December, kick-off 8pm)
Mike Blair, Tom Brown, Sean Cox, Geoff Cross, Nick De Luca, David Denton, Ross Ford, Jack Gilding, Phil Godman, Roddy Grant, John Houston, Allan Jacobsen, Lee Jones, James King, Greig Laidlaw, Steve Lawrie, Harry Leonard, Esteban Lozada, Stuart McInally, Chris Paterson, Ross Rennie, Kyle Traynor, Steven Turnbull, Netani Talei, Tim Visser

Not available through injury: Ben Cairns (knee), Grant Gilchrist (shoulder), Andrew Kelly (knee), Alan MacDonald (shoulder), Matt Scott (hip), Jim Thompson (knee)

One week out from the Heineken Cup, Chris Paterson and James King are the only backs to retain a place in the starting line-up from last weekend’s defeat to Munster.

The pair are joined by returning wingers Lee Jones and Tim Visser, centre Nick De Luca and young stand-off Harry Leonard, who made his debut against the Italians in September.

The club’s international front-row trio of Allan Jacobsen, Ross Ford and Geoff Cross also return and pack down ahead of Argentine internationalist, Esteban Lozada, and the promising young Grant Gilchrist at lock.

The pack is completed by a back-row trio of Sean Cox, who recently put pen to paper on a two year deal, Roddy Grant and David Denton at number eight.

Having kicked off their Heineken Cup campaign with back-to-back wins over London Irish and Racing Metro, the club are keen to bring their European form into domestic business.

The capital club defeated the Italians home and away last season but left Parma in September with a losing bonus point, secured by Leonard’s boot.

Edinburgh Rugby head coach, Michael Bradley, said: “This is a big match for us because we lost to Aironi over in Italy. They played better than we did on the day and their set-piece dominated us.

“We do not want to lose twice to Aironi in a single season. We have to back up our European performances.

“With 25 minutes to go in the Racing Metro match the crowd were off their feet, they were clapping and roaring on the boys and to us on the sideline it was almost inevitable that we would get the try we needed.

“They all shared in a fantastic day and were a crucial part of that win. This is exactly what we need to impose our home advantage when teams come to Murrayfield.”

With the west stand supporters’ bar in the Presidents’ Suite unavailable for the next two home games (v Aironi and Cardiff Blues) as existing bookings are honoured, fans will be welcomed into the north stand supporters’ bar, located in the Rowan Suite (third floor), while season ticket holders can continue to use the Murrayfield Wanderers facility.

The west stand supporters’ bar will be back with a bang for the club’s 1872 Cup derby match against city rivals Glasgow Warriors, on Boxing Day, and will continue in the New Year at the RaboDirect PRO12 match against Ulster (Friday 6 January) and throughout the rest of the season.

Edinburgh Rugby team to play Aironi at Murrayfield tomorrow (Friday 2 December) in round 10 of the RaboDirect PRO12

15 Chris Paterson

14 Lee Jones

13 Nick De Luca

12 James King

11 Tim Visser

10 Harry Leonard

9 Greig Laidlaw CAPTAIN

1 Allan Jacobsen

2 Ross Ford

3 Geoff Cross

4 Esteban Lozada

5 Grant Gilchrist

6 Sean Cox

7 Roddy Grant

8 David Denton

Substitutes

16 Steven Lawrie

17 Kyle Traynor

18 Lewis Niven

19 Netani Talei

20 Ross Rennie

21 Chris Leck

22 Tom Brown

23 Phil Godman

Not available through injury: Ben Cairns (knee), Andrew Kelly (knee), Matt Scott (hip), Jim Thompson (knee), Alan MacDonald (shoulder)

Leo Cullen captains the side and is one of 10 Ireland internationals in the starting line-up, amongst them is hooker Sean Cronin who makes his full debut for the province. Cronin starts in the front alongside Heinke van der Merwe and Mike Ross.

Luke Fitzgerald makes his 90th appearance for the province and moves to the wing in a back three which also includes the Kearney brothers, David and Rob. Eoin O’Malley forms a centre partnership with Fergus McFadden, with Isaac Boss linking up with Jonathan Sexton at half back.

Fionn Carr joins the likes of Rhys Ruddock, Richardt Strauss and Steven Sykes on the replacements bench.

Cillian Willis was not required to travel and his short term contract with Leinster Rugby has concluded allowing him to play for Greystones in the AIL this weekend.

LEINSTER:

15: Rob Kearney
14: David Kearney
13: Eoin O’Malley
12: Fergus McFadden
11: Luke Fitzgerald
10: Jonathan Sexton
9: Isaac Boss

1: Heinke van der Merwe
2: Sean Cronin
3: Mike Ross
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Devin Toner
6: Kevin McLaughlin
7: Dominic Ryan
8: Leo Auva’a

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Richardt Strauss
17: Jack McGrath
18: Nathan White
19: Steven Sykes
20: Rhys Ruddock
21: John Cooney
22: Ian Madigan
23: Fionn Carr

REFEREE: Leighton Hodges (WRU), ASSISTANT REFEREES: David Changleng, Archie McInally (both SRU), TMO: Iain Heard (SRU)

Butler is one of ten changes Tony McGahan makes to the starting XV from the Blues game with Coughlan just the one forced change. There are two positional switches, Johne Murphy moving to the right wing in place of Doug Howlett (rested) and Scott Deasy, a replacement in Cardiff coming into the full-back slot occupied by Murphy last time out. Tommy O’Donnell moves to the blindside to accommodate the return of Niall Ronan, that switch a recognition of the rich vein of form O’Donnell is enjoying.

" I’m enjoying it right enough," the Tipperary man says "Coming into this season I knew that with the World Cup. I’d get the chance to get a few games. There’s still a lot of quality in the back-row so it was a matter of putting in a good pre-season and getting a run at it.

" We enjoyed a good run. Four games gone, two to go in this phase, top of the League, its exactly where you want to be." he continues. " Obviously the defensive effort last week was massive. A few lucky breaks like that forward pass and some good defence. It was just a really determined effort. And of course Ian’s kicking was just phenomenal."

Mick O’Driscoll, winning his 192nd cap captains the side.

Munster: S Deasy; J Murphy, T Gleeson, L Mafi, D Hurley; I Keatley, P Stringer; W du Preez, D Fogarty, J Hayes; D Foley, M O’Driscoll; T O’Donnell, N Ronan, P Butler. Replacements: M Sherry, J Ryan, S Archer, I Nagle, P O’Mahony, D Williams, D Barnes, S Zebo.

Currently top of the division, the arrival of the current champions and two-time Heineken Cup winners is preceded by their reputation, while their current form of four straight wins points to a tough test for Edinburgh’s young squad.

The Munster match also offers Murrayfield’s up-close crowd a particularly tantalising battle on the wing as Edinburgh Rugby’s record breaking try-scorer, Tim Visser, goes head to head with Munster’s 62-times capped All Black flyer, Doug Howlett.

Speaking at today’s press conference, Michael Bradley said: “The boys are really looking forward to the match.

“Munster are a side that are historically strong in the RaboDirect PRO12, they’re the current champions and are off to a great start this season, so it’s a good target for us to aim for.

“Munster are, amongst other things, very competitive at the breakdown. We have to be conscious of their strong kicking game and of the positional pressure points they’ll try to do squeeze.

“We need to be consistent in our delivery, accurate in our play (in attack and defence) and maintain absolute concentration for the full 80 minutes; if we do that we’ll create opportunities and we’ll score. If we don’t, Munster will punish us.

“When we compete and go forward with quality ball, supporters will see some quality attacking play while, on the Munster side, they will look to keep it tight, put pressure on us and play in the right areas.

“Contrasting styles will be on display from the two sides and hopefully the home side will prevail.”

Bradley has made three personnel changes for the visit of Munster.

Matt Scott is the only change to the backs, making his first start since the side’s last-minute heart-breaker against Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium.

Scott’s reintroduction to the backline sees Jim Thompson shuffle outfield to his preferred position of full-back, displacing Tom Brown to the bench.

Up front Lewis Niven (prop) and Grant Gilchrist (lock) come back to start in the tight-five in place of Shaun Knight (bench) and Steven Turnbull, who is replaced in the squad by Esteban Lozada.

The final change to the 22 welcomes the return of Phil Godman (stand-off) who starts on the bench.

Edinburgh Rugby team to play Munster at Murrayfield Stadium tomorrow (Friday 30 September, kick-off 7.30pm)

15 Jim Thompson

14 Lee Jones

13 Matt Scott

12 James King

11 Tim Visser

10 Gregor Hunter

9 Greig Laidlaw

1 Kyle Traynor

2 Steven Lawrie

3 Lewis Niven

4 Grant Gilchrist

5 Sean Cox

6 David Denton

7 Roddy Grant

8 Stuart McInally

Substitutes

16 Alun Walker

17 Robin Hislop

18 Shaun Knight

19 Esteban Lozada

20 Hamish Watson

21 Chris Leck

22 Phil Godman

23 Tom Brown

Sep first signalled his intent to team up with his brother when he moved from English National 1 club Tynedale to Premier 1 side Boroughmuir, combining his club training with a pre-season at Edinburgh Rugby and making an appearance in the club’s win over Sale Sharks (28-22).

Early indications are that the 20 year-old shares his brother’s eye for the try line, having scored three tries in five games from full-back at Boroughmuir, continuing his impressive Tynedale tally of 23 tries in 29 matches.

He said: “It feels great, I’m really pleased. Tim has done really well here, he’s improved a lot as a player since coming to Edinburgh and has always said the set-up here is great, which is one of the main reasons I want to train with, and ultimately play for, Edinburgh Rugby.

“The opportunity to train at Murrayfield is massive for me, especially at 20 years old. It’s really good for my skill and strength development to train full-time.

“Looking ahead, the chance to play alongside Tim [Visser] would be really special, particularly for our parents, but the priority for me is to train hard and get the chance to play games and if that’s alongside Tim then that’s a bonus.”

Tim Visser, who last season broke the record of the most tries in a single RaboDirect PRO12 season, was delighted to be joined by his brother.

He said: “I’m very happy for Sep [Visser]. He’s been working really hard off the pitch and in his trials with Edinburgh Rugby, so I’m delighted that he’s getting the chance to prolong the opportunity to train full-time and get the benefit of the excellent facilities at the club.

“It’s brilliant for him and great for me to have my brother settled here in Scotland. He’s becoming a really good player and I can see a lot of me in him. He’s a big strong ball carrier and I’m grateful that he’s been given this chance.”

Edinburgh Rugby head coach, Michael Bradley, welcomed the latest addition to the host of talented youngsters plying their trade at the capital club.

He said: “It’s fantastic for us to welcome Sep to the club, who joins a very talented crop of young players at Edinburgh Rugby. He’s an exciting, raw talent and I’m sure he’ll benefit a great deal from this opportunity.”

SEP VISSER

Date of birth: 14 December, 1990, full-back, weight 96kg, height 1.90m

After moving from the Netherlands (where he played for RC Hilversum) to England, Sep Visser joined the Newcastle Falcons Academy and went on to represent the Falcons in the Middlesex Sevens Tournament in 2007. He remained in Kingston Park until 2009 when he joined Tynedale RFC, moving north to play for Boroughmuir and Edinburgh Rugby in the summer of 2011.

Images of Edinburgh Rugby brothers Tim and Sep Visser following today’s announcement are available from PA Images and Michael James (details below).

Laidlaw, who has one year remaining on his current contract, is one of Edinburgh Rugby’s most consistent performers and was named players’ player of the season before continuing his form with two man-of-the-match awards from four games; against Newcastle Falcons in pre-season and against Ospreys on RaboDirect PRO12 duty last weekend.

Such performances reinforced Michael Bradley’s decision to name the lively Borderer as club captain, two weeks before his sixth season at the club kicked off.

Laidlaw said: “I’m really happy to be staying at Edinburgh Rugby for another two years. There’s a lot of good feeling and exciting changes happening off the pitch while we’re about to start a new chapter under head coach Michael Bradley.

“There are a lot of good young players coming though the club and I think that if we can build on their ability we can progress as a club, improve our league position and build our crowd and support.”

After captaining Scotland A in wins over the Ireland Wolfhounds (32-13) and Italy A (11-3) earlier this year, Laidlaw capped off arguably his most successful rugby season with selection in Andy Robinson’s provisional Rugby World Cup squad, earning his second cap in the 10-6 win over Ireland in the EMC Test.

However, despite missing out on final Scotland squad selection for the international event, the 25-year-old underlined his belief that his international ambitions are best served at the capital club.

He added: “One of the big pros for me as an individual is that I believe I can best push my case and promote my aspirations for Scotland selection by playing at Edinburgh Rugby.

“Being named as captain also played a big part in re-signing as it’s important to me and my own ambitions to be a leader. I’m a young captain so I think it will be good for me in the years to come.”

Edinburgh Rugby head coach Michael Bradley, added: “The quality of Greig [Laidlaw] as a rugby player and a leader has already shown through this season. He leads by example and sets very high standards for himself and others; that is the critical element.

“He’s an extremely hard working individual and has reacted very positively to what we are trying to do at the club and the part he can play, through his leadership and performance, in helping this club grow and prosper.”

Try-scoring full-back Tom Brown and winger Simon Webster are the only backs to be reselected in the new look division which welcomes winger Lee Jones and the new midfield and half-back partnerships of John Houston and Jim Thompson; and Greig Laidlaw and Phil Godman.

The match is Laidlaw’s first since being appointed as Edinburgh Rugby club captain by Bradley just over a fortnight ago.

Bradley said: “I was very impressed with large parts of our performance against Sale Sharks last Friday and am happy to be in a position to select a very different but equally strong side to take on Newcastle Falcons tomorrow in our first home game of the season.”

Kyle Traynor is the only front-row to return to the first XV. He packs down alongside the incumbent Andrew Kelly (hooker) and Jack Gilding, while young Grant Gilchrist earns a start alongside returning lock Steven Turnbull.

David Denton is the only replacement in the back-row, coming in at number 8 alongside Sean Cox and Roddy Grant, both of whom started against Sale.

Bradley added: “Your first run out at home in a new season is very special as you look to show the home support how you’ve improved over pre-season and what you’re all about for the season ahead.

“This match is the last opportunity for players to trial all the things we’ve been working on in pre-season and stake a claim for a starting jersey while it also offers supporters the first chance to sample the new Murrayfield match-day experience.”

From this season on, supporter seating will be in the east-stand while a perimeter standing area has been created around the other three sides of the pitch to get supporters right on top of the action and allow them to stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the most exciting players in northern hemisphere rugby.

After Newcastle, Edinburgh Rugby will then launch their RaboDirect PRO12 campaign at Murrayfield the following Friday against Cardiff Blues.

Edinburgh Rugby team v Newcastle Falcons, Murrayfield Stadium, Friday 26 August (kick-off 7.30pm)

15 Tom Brown

14 Simon Webster
13 Jim Thompson
12 John Houston
11 Lee Jones

10 Phil Godman
9 Greig Laidlaw CAPTAIN

1 Kyle Traynor
2 Andrew Kelly
3 Jack Gilding
4 Grant Gilchrist
5 Steven Turnbull
6 Sean Cox
7 Roddy Grant VICE CAPTAIN
8 David Denton

Substitutes
16 Steve Lawrie
17 Lewis Niven
18 John Cox (Currie)
19 Esteban Lozada
20 Hamish Watson
21 Chris Leck
22 Gregor Hunter
23 James King
24 Matt Scott
25 Tim Visser

Friday 26 August – Edinburgh Rugby v Newcastle Falcons, Murrayfield (kick-off 7.30pm)
Friday 2 September – Edinburgh Rugby v Cardiff Blues, Murrayfield (kick-off 7.30pm)