Edinburgh Rugby will be boosted by the return of six Scotland internationals as they take on Dragons RFC in the BKT United Rugby Championship at Hive Stadium tonight,
Wingers Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe are back in the starting lineup after both crossing the try line twice during the recent Guinness Six Nations. Meanwhile, the forward pack sees the return of prop Pierre Schoeman, lock Grant Gilchrist, and back-row Jamie Ritchie, with hooker Dave Cherry named among the replacements.
Head Coach Sean Everitt highlighted the challenge Dragons present, noting their ability to win turnovers and capitalize in the opposition’s 22. He emphasized that recent URC matches have been tightly contested, stressing the importance of execution.
Wes Goosen starts at full-back, continuing his ever-present role in the campaign so far, and joins Graham and van der Merwe in the back three. James Lang moves to inside centre, with Matt Currie returning at 13. The half-back pairing remains unchanged, with co-captain Ben Vellacott at scrum-half and Ross Thompson at fly-half.
Schoeman leads an overhauled front row at loosehead prop, joined by Paddy Harrison at hooker and D’Arcy Rae at tighthead. Paul Hill is ruled out through injury, while Ewan Ashman is rested. In the second row, Gilchrist partners Marshall Sykes, replacing the rested Sam Skinner, after signing a one-year contract extension this week.
In the back row, Ritchie comes in alongside Hamish Watson at openside, while Magnus Bradbury continues at No. 8.
With key players returning, Edinburgh will hope to make a statement in front of their home crowd.
