Edinburgh 2024/25

[Big D]

Thompson has been first choice all season. Healy has been injured for much of it but even when fit he wasn’t getting starts, except for the occasional A team game that Edinburgh had. I think Thompson is a good player but his kicking from both hand and tee need improvement.

Was more meaning there was debate coming into this season and won't be into next.

[BaldiePete]

Matt Scott, who’s been injured for most of this season, is retiring at the end of the season. He was a great player for the club during his first stint but I’m not sure there was much point in bringing him back for his 3rd time at the club.

Three backrow players, Crosbie, Dodd and Boyle have all re-signed for 2 years, 2 years and 1 year respectively. Even with Ritchie leaving Edinburgh are stacked in the back row.

[BaldiePete]

Edinburgh leavers this summer.

Already announced
Jamie Ritchie - Perippignan
Dave Cherry - Vannes
Matt Scott - retiring
Ali Price - “taking up a playing opportunity abroad”

New Announcements
Mark Bennett - destination unconfirmed.
Jamie Hodgson - destination unconfirmed.
Emiliano Boffelli - destination unconfirmed.
Robin Hislop - destination unconfirmed
Javan Sebastian - destination unconfirmed
Jake Henry - Coventry, where he’s been on loan
Nathan Sweeney - destination unconfirmed
Jack Hocking - destination unconfirmed

Bennett is no surprise, he’s been injured a lot and not getting games when he’s fit. He’s never been as good for Edinburgh as was for Glasgow. For me my favourite Bennett moment, despite the eventual loss, was the interception try he scored in the quarter final that shall not be named. I was SCREAMING at the telly when he got the interception, RRRUUUUNNNN.

Hodgson - had a lot of potential but was overtaken by others, put out on loan and got injured. Not surprised he’s going.

Boffelli - this one is a real shame. He’s such a class player, fantastic under the high ball and with a deadly accurate boot but he’s been injured pretty much since the last World Cup.

Hislop - well down the pecking order at loose head and with new prop signing he’s definitely surplus.

Sebastian - kind of surprised by this one. Litterick is coming in but we are not exactly strong at tighthead. He’s not the best but I thought they’d keep him.

Henry - I don’t know anything much about him, good luck at Coventry.

Sweeney - he’s played three times but I don’t remember him at all

Hocking - doesn’t seem to have played for the senior team.

[switchskier]

Of those Boffelli was always a favourite but I can see the logic in moving on from a value perspective. He'd lake great sense for a contender able to take a punt on a pay as you play basis but that's not us.

Hislop I am most disappointed by. Doesn't feel like he's ever had a fair go at it when his competitors have disappointed. He's not a physical freak like Schoeman but I've always admired his nuggety style. Don't feel we've improved there.

Hodgson I'm unsurprised by. He was never that age grade standout or looked like a star to me. Weirdly, of he'd never been capped I reckon he might have been kept as cheap squad material as understand he's a good squad presence.

Bennett will always feel a bit like unfulfilled potential. What if he'd never been injured? What if he'd stayed in France rather than coming back.

Sweeney I've heard good things about but was evidently never going to happen for him here. The latter for the others I guess

[septic 9]

Boffelli was never getting another deal. His ongoing back problem probably the final nail but I think his wedge needed more elsewhere. Edinburgh are well served at 15 by Goosen and Paterson, and now Brown
Bennet is a shame but his injuries and loss of a yard of pace a killer for him. His pace was his main asset, a terrific outside break but maybe not the all round skillset to be retained at 32 when that pace isn't what it was
Hislop I always liked, and agree he never got a proper chance at Edinburgh. Again injuries played their part, and I wonder if some have been due to his body trying to carry too much bulk. As a young player he was so lively but underpowered for a pro prop, I would have liked to have seen him converted to hooker
Sebastian is odd, unless he has had a better offer. Currently probably Scotland's 2nd or 3rd best TH. As I say, odd
Sweeney looked a talent, again injuries scuppered him without a real chance
Henry a good player, again never really got a chance, but this time no idea why
Hodgson an honest plodder but never really good enough IMHO. Played absolutely to his potential but his ceiling simply not high enough.

[Big D]

Edinburgh have signed a LHP and a THP so not surprised to see one of each leave. Sebastian has played well but guess his contract was up before Williams.

Surely have to see some of the B-L brothers in the front row next season.

Hislop is what he is really. A 3rd/4th choice prop for a top flight club.

Edinburgh are a wee bit light in the centres but have announced Piers O'connor who is a jack of all trades.

[septic 9]

and while the incoherent non existent SRU policy on signing nSQ players has blocked Cancilliere from being offered a new contract at Glasgow, Edinburgh have been sanctioned to sign nSQ Piers O'Connor as utility back. He plays (outside) centre, yes, but also full back and wing - no way he will be blocking all those young wings Edinburgh have been proudly signing and stockpiling recently

The hypocrisy and double standards are astounding if unsurprising

[Big D]

and while the incoherent non existent SRU policy on signing nSQ players has blocked Cancilliere from being offered a new contract at Glasgow, Edinburgh have been sanctioned to sign nSQ Piers O'Connor as utility back. He plays (outside) centre, yes, but also full back and wing - no way he will be blocking all those young wings Edinburgh have been proudly signing and stockpiling recently

The hypocrisy and double standards are astounding if unsurprising

To be fair, not that I'd sign him, O'Connor has 99 starts at centre v 20 odd in the back 3.

It does seem a bit muddled.

Looks like Edinburgh will go into next season with 4 NSQ although I'm hoping they do something at 9.

From what I can see, Glasgow have 3 NSQ under contract for definite according to reports (MacKay, Vailanu and Schickerling). Not sure if JP Du Preez and Cordero are leaving.

If the SRU are considering players who become SQ in their current contracts then Venter, MacKay and Goosen may not factor into any NSQ quota.

[switchskier]

Four years ago POC would have been a great day going. Now it's a perplexing one. Last I saw I thought that the legs and burst had gone. If so, is he worth the extra cost over Cammy Scott (who I doubt will ever be an international but has yet to let us down in his limited opportunities)?

As with everything Edinburgh, smacks of a management team aiming for just enough short term success to keep their jobs.

I kind of hope that they don't do anything at 9. Surely last chance saloon for both Vellacot and Shield to prove that they can be 'the guy' or for McAlpine to come in and show us the future. Bringing someone in, like a Nick Groom (remember him) or a Richie Rees, just gives their defenders one more excuse.

[Big D]

O'Connor shouldn't be blocking Scott as they play different positions.

[switchskier]

O'Connor shouldn't be blocking Scott as they play different positions.

They both play 23 and predominantly cover centre with a bit of full-back cover. POC can cover wing, Scott ten.

[Cameo]

I think 4 or 5 NSQ per squad seems about right subject to who is available (both which NSQ players are available and what scottish talent is available). I think we get into issues where we have too many in the same positions (back three) or too many where we have lots of good talent.

Personally, I think we have enough talented young 9s that we don't need to bring in an import unless he suddenly someone amazing comes in who may transform Edinburgh. Glasgow at 10 looks a trickier proposition. It's fine having Hastings as first choice but a bit rash having Simpson and Urwin as second and third choices (ignoring Weir for the moment). Equally, unless Simpson is thrown in the deep end soon, he will stop being young. Depends how much they rate those two I suppose.

[Big D]

O'Connor shouldn't be blocking Scott as they play different positions.

They both play 23 and predominantly cover centre with a bit of full-back cover. POC can cover wing, Scott ten.

Cammy Scott is a 10/12 who covers those positions from three bench? He can cover at 15 but if he's involved he's primarily 10/12 cover.

If he is blocked by O'Connor something has gone wrong.

[Big D]

I think 4 or 5 NSQ per squad seems about right subject to who is available (both which NSQ players are available and what scottish talent is available). I think we get into issues where we have too many in the same positions (back three) or too many where we have lots of good talent.

Personally, I think we have enough talented young 9s that we don't need to bring in an import unless he suddenly someone amazing comes in who may transform Edinburgh. Glasgow at 10 looks a trickier proposition. It's fine having Hastings as first choice but a bit rash having Simpson and Urwin as second and third choices (ignoring Weir for the moment). Equally, unless Simpson is thrown in the deep end soon, he will stop being young. Depends how much they rate those two I suppose.

Unless Glasgow give up one of their 9s, and they shouldn't, there is a black hole at 9 for Edinburgh. McAlpine is the young 9 and should get more game time but I am concerned about the impact of the scrum half position on the development of the 10 (and younger 9s).

Price has been very good for Thompson over the last few weeks and it's helped him no end. Not sure Vellacott is the senior 9 to help McAlpine develop either.

Years of getting the position wrong has come back to bite Edinburgh. Some still call for "young" Shiel to get a chance. He's 27 with 22 starts, barring a late career bloom he's not good enough according to successive coaches.

Arguably Edinburgh don't have any 9s that are good enough, Glasgow have 3 plus Oliver who is apparently signing from Munster presumably as depth and to kick the tyres on him.

[Mikey Brown]

I had assumed POC retired. As others said he was great 5 years ago. No idea what he’s offering now, but perhaps an experienced and versatile player is still worth it.

[Cameo]

I think 4 or 5 NSQ per squad seems about right subject to who is available (both which NSQ players are available and what scottish talent is available). I think we get into issues where we have too many in the same positions (back three) or too many where we have lots of good talent.

Personally, I think we have enough talented young 9s that we don't need to bring in an import unless he suddenly someone amazing comes in who may transform Edinburgh. Glasgow at 10 looks a trickier proposition. It's fine having Hastings as first choice but a bit rash having Simpson and Urwin as second and third choices (ignoring Weir for the moment). Equally, unless Simpson is thrown in the deep end soon, he will stop being young. Depends how much they rate those two I suppose.

Unless Glasgow give up one of their 9s, and they shouldn't, there is a black hole at 9 for Edinburgh. McAlpine is the young 9 and should get more game time but I am concerned about the impact of the scrum half position on the development of the 10 (and younger 9s).

Price has been very good for Thompson over the last few weeks and it's helped him no end. Not sure Vellacott is the senior 9 to help McAlpine develop either.

Years of getting the position wrong has come back to bite Edinburgh. Some still call for "young" Shiel to get a chance. He's 27 with 22 starts, barring a late career bloom he's not good enough according to successive coaches.

Arguably Edinburgh don't have any 9s that are good enough, Glasgow have 3 plus Oliver who is apparently signing from Munster presumably as depth and to kick the tyres on him.

I get all that re the 9s, but I'm not sure parachuting an average import is the answer either. Fair enough if we can get a starter who improves the team, but a Groom or Rees or someone from SA or England with barely more experience than the youngsters achieves nothing in my view.

[Big D]

I think 4 or 5 NSQ per squad seems about right subject to who is available (both which NSQ players are available and what scottish talent is available). I think we get into issues where we have too many in the same positions (back three) or too many where we have lots of good talent.

Personally, I think we have enough talented young 9s that we don't need to bring in an import unless he suddenly someone amazing comes in who may transform Edinburgh. Glasgow at 10 looks a trickier proposition. It's fine having Hastings as first choice but a bit rash having Simpson and Urwin as second and third choices (ignoring Weir for the moment). Equally, unless Simpson is thrown in the deep end soon, he will stop being young. Depends how much they rate those two I suppose.

Unless Glasgow give up one of their 9s, and they shouldn't, there is a black hole at 9 for Edinburgh. McAlpine is the young 9 and should get more game time but I am concerned about the impact of the scrum half position on the development of the 10 (and younger 9s).

Price has been very good for Thompson over the last few weeks and it's helped him no end. Not sure Vellacott is the senior 9 to help McAlpine develop either.

Years of getting the position wrong has come back to bite Edinburgh. Some still call for "young" Shiel to get a chance. He's 27 with 22 starts, barring a late career bloom he's not good enough according to successive coaches.

Arguably Edinburgh don't have any 9s that are good enough, Glasgow have 3 plus Oliver who is apparently signing from Munster presumably as depth and to kick the tyres on him.

I get all that re the 9s, but I'm not sure parachuting an average import is the answer either. Fair enough if we can get a starter who improves the team, but a Groom or Rees or someone from SA or England with barely more experience than the youngsters achieves nothing in my view.

Totally agree with that. If there is a 9 who can help the team then and help bring on others then that's who I'd sign.

9 is a mess at Edinburgh and gets overlooked.

[BaldiePete]

Edinburgh team for what is very likely to be their last game of the season. Good to see Paterson back, hopefully he’ll also be in the Scotland squad for the summer tour. Surprised to see Ritchie dropped to the bench but he won’t be there next season so giving Muncaster game time makes sense. Mark Bennett gets a last hurrah off the bench.

15.⁠ ⁠Wes Goosen (53)
14.⁠ ⁠Darcy Graham (81)
13.⁠ ⁠Matt Currie (62)
12.⁠ ⁠James Lang (73)
11.⁠ ⁠Harry Paterson (15)
10.⁠ ⁠Ross Thompson (24)
9.⁠ ⁠Ali Price (39)
1.⁠ ⁠Pierre Schoeman (132)
2.⁠ ⁠Ewan Ashman (36)
3.⁠ ⁠D’arcy Rae (25)
4.⁠ ⁠Marshall Sykes (82)
5.⁠ ⁠Sam Skinner (42)
6.⁠ ⁠Ben Muncaster (46)
7.⁠ ⁠Hamish Watson (177)
8.⁠ ⁠Magnus Bradbury (132) CAPTAIN
Replacements
16.⁠ ⁠Paddy Harrison (31)
17.⁠ ⁠Boan Venter (90)
18.⁠ ⁠Javan Sebastian (28)
19.⁠ ⁠Glen Young (49)
20.⁠ ⁠Jamie Ritchie (129)
21.⁠ ⁠Charlie Shiel (73)
22.⁠ ⁠Ben Healy (37)
23.⁠ ⁠Mark Bennett (110)

Unavailable: Emiliano Boffellli (hamstring), Connor Boyle (knee), Robert Carmichael (wrist), Dave Cherry (knee), Luke Crosbie (pec), Tom Dodd (shoulder), Grant Gilchrist (hamstring), Jamie Hodgson (tricep), Paul Hill (back), Ross McCann (foot), Duhan van der Merwe (ankle), Mosese Tuipulotu (knee), Ben Vellacott (foot).

[BaldiePete]

Unless Glasgow give up one of their 9s, and they shouldn't, there is a black hole at 9 for Edinburgh. McAlpine is the young 9 and should get more game time but I am concerned about the impact of the scrum half position on the development of the 10 (and younger 9s).

I’d happily take either Dobie or Afshar at Edinburgh.

[Cameo]

Unless Glasgow give up one of their 9s, and they shouldn't, there is a black hole at 9 for Edinburgh. McAlpine is the young 9 and should get more game time but I am concerned about the impact of the scrum half position on the development of the 10 (and younger 9s).

I’d happily take either Dobie or Afshar at Edinburgh.

Haha, I'm not sure they would be up for the outcry that would cause...unless Dobie pushed for it in order to play 9 more.

[Cameo]

Well done Edinburgh - into the last 8 with a bonus point win vs Ulster. Bradbury with two tries and Graham woth a hattrick.

Saw a surprising stat. Since Glasgow hammered Edinburgh at Hampden in round 8 of the URC, Edinburgh have picked up 31 league points to Glasgow's 26.

Maybe there is more to the revival than I think. Or maybe Glasgow's collapse has been a bit more severe than I realised (certainly haven't seen them play really well for a long time).