Edinburgh Rugby Supporters Club

[Rugby Girl]

Webster and Mustchin called up to Scotland squad

Simon Webster, the 33-times-capped wing, and his Edinburgh team-mate, Matt Mustchin, the uncapped 31-year-old lock/back-row forward, have been called up this afternoon to the Scotland squad for next month’s two Test tour of Argentina.

Webster, 27, who had been troubled by a hamstring injury, has undergone intensive rehabilitation with the Edinburgh physiotherapist Andrew Raselli and this afternoon undertook a fitness test with Raselli, Scotland team doctor James Robson and Scotland strength and conditioning coach Mark Bitcon.

Dr Robson said: “Simon passed the test with flying colours and was well-pleased with the progress he’s made.”

Scotland coach Frank Hadden said: “Simon has had a difficult season with injury but is now an experienced internationalist and I’m delighted he is fit to travel.

Meanwhile in the pack, Mustchin, who qualifies for Scotland through the IRB’s three year residency requirement, has been introduced to fill one of the three vacancies at lock.

Mustchin joined Edinburgh in 2005 and made his 50th appearance for the team earlier this season, Hadden noting that his “abrasive qualities will complement our other second-row forwards on this tour.”

Mustchin said: “Frank signed me for Edinburgh in 2005 and it’s very much home for me and my family. I love the city and I’ve enjoyed my rugby here and being involved in coaching at club level with Murrayfield Wanderers.”

As far as the two remaining vacancies are concerned, Hadden is asking Glasgow Warriors captain Alastair Kellock and Edinburgh lock Craig Hamilton to attend pre-tour training at Murrayfield next week.

Hadden is also continuing to monitor closely the possible availability of Scotland’s most-capped player, Scott Murray.

Murray, now with Montauban in France, has two home league matches against Bayonne and Clermont over the next two weekends and has expressed optimism that if both matches are won he may be released for the tour.

A final decision on the two vacancies will be made next week.

A copy of Mustchin’s biography follows.

MATT MUSTCHIN (Edinburgh)

Lock and blind-side flanker. Born: 2.2.77 in Christchurch, New Zealand. Height: 6ft 4in (1.93m). Weight: 17st 5lb (110kg).

Matthew Lee Mustchin played for Ulster from 2003 until 2005, when he joined Edinburgh. In March 2006 he made a try-scoring debut for the Barbarians in the invitation club’s 52-42 win against Leicester at Welford Road. He has represented New Zealand at under-16 and under-19 levels and played a Super 12 game for Canterbury Crusaders in 2002.

[Derrick Lee's #1 Fan]

[GuitarHero]

Would maybe have hoped to see a younger player brought it, but congratulations to Matt for getting called up, at least we know we'll get 110% from him, if not more.

[Baggage]

Matt, remember we still have yuor snorkel if you need it !!

well done

[Jon]

I have a lot if time for Matt, he is a great club player and always makes the time for supporters, especially at away games. However I think he is too small to be a lock. As far as residency......having played age group rugby for New Zealand but now being Scottish due to living here for 3 years is a scandal (whatever the IRB states) For him to potentially get a Scotland cap is a travesty and a sad indictment of Scottish rugby.

[Derrick Lee's #1 Fan]

[The Nudger]

Crongatualations to Matt who is a cracking player. I don't think he would be in the squad if we weren't so short of options due to injuries and unavailability and I don't see him being a long term option there so I don't think the above comments are particularly applicable to what is a fairly unusual situation. That said I think it is good reward fo the commitment and proffesionalism that Matt has shown over the pst 3 years. We are always hankering after a more club like atmosphere and I think that it is players like Matt who are helping to foster it.

[ratty]

I have to agree again with all the above. The fact that Matt was qualified for Scotland was doing the rounds at Llanelli but to be honest I thought it was banter. He is a top boy and I was wondering if Edinburgh would consider him for a playing coach role as his job for the club in respect of 100% effort on the pitch and making an effort with the fans is top notch.

However.....

1. There must be a young Scotland lock who could benefit.
2. If Frank wants to save his behind that badly where does it stop, do we always look to foreign players to bail us out.
3. How much longer will Matt want to play in Scotland. I assume he could play at a less competitive level and get paid more. (ie. Japan.) as rumoured.

[superl99]

[Jon]

superl99..... ask Matt who he was supporting in the RWC game at Murrayfield against New Zealand then let me know if he is a passionate Scot.

[superl99]

I wasn't really talking specifically about him, just generally that it's possible!

[Jon]

3 years is opportunist... I think residency should be a 5 year minimum... just my view though.

Despite all this I would echo congratulations to Matt, he has performed well week in week out and does a lot of the dark stuff. I don't believe he should be in the squad, but I am sure if he gets an opportunity he will do himself proud.... and even a half decent performance will have the Haddock comparing him to Victor Matfield!

[Oldsalt]

What's up DL#1F, is your research paper due or something? You've been quite sharp on your posts over the last week or so.

Matt has given it all for Edinburgh this year and I am sure he will do the same for Scotland if selected. Positive praise costs you nothing.

Congratulations Matt.

[K-Pac]

[Derrick Lee's #1 Fan]