Edinburgh Rugby Squad 2018/19

[Wottie]

Good addition think he will do well in the pro14.

From ER article

'He can play across the back-row and his dynamism adds another dimension to our attack. We’re looking forward to seeing how he develops in an international quality unit alongside the likes of Luke Crosbie, Bill Mata, Hamish Watson, Jamie Ritchie and Magnus Bradbury.”

Perhaps Miller heading west then if any? Although no mention of barclay either.

Edit: bah timing!

Suspect Barclay omitted from the quote as we won't see him in blue and orange (that's sounds weird!) until after the 6 nations and even then he will be played only to get him conditioned for the RWC so I see this signing as justified by covering the missing Barclay for a year. Thereafter we'll see. Watson and Miller's contract's expire after next season alongside Hamilton.

[Tichtheid]

I’m a wee bit concerned about our front row, if McCallum continues on his current trajectory we could easily be looking at losing three tightheads, two hookers (depending on how Fordy responds to Cockers) and a couple of looseheads to the international windows, plus Gilcho and Toolis, alongside multiple backrowers

[adi1314]

Can't see all 3 getting picked for Intl squad if only 1 can start and 1 bench for Edinburgh, injuries at Gla/Edi aside.

[Wottie]

I’m a wee bit concerned about our front row, if McCallum continues on his current trajectory we could easily be looking at losing three tightheads, two hookers (depending on how Fordy responds to Cockers) and a couple of looseheads to the international windows, plus Gilcho and Toolis, alongside multiple backrowers

Very nice problem to have given where we have come from over the past few years however.

[Tichtheid]

Can't see all 3 getting picked for Intl squad if only 1 can start and 1 bench for Edinburgh, injuries at Gla/Edi aside.

Only two at a time right enough, but the three of them can easily be rotated throughout the season, and without really losing much in terms of quality from any of them, which is what you want in each position across two competitions

[adi1314]

Agreed, and old Zander hasn't been that impressive recently.

[BigD163]

Sounds like Hamilton is effectively a "medical joker" to cover Barclay.

Suggests Barclay will be heavily managed during next season when he is fit.

[BeardofScottishRugby]

Sounds like Hamilton is effectively a "medical joker" to cover Barclay.

Suggests Barclay will be heavily managed during next season when he is fit.

I think we will only see John Barclay if we are still in Europe or the hunt for play offs.

[New Gunner]

Agreed, and old Zander hasn't been that impressive recently.

Anyone been on the Weegies forum to see if it's actually dissolved in a molten maelstrom of fury yet? Not quite sure of the strategy of keeping their signings under wraps, but at least they know there are still 5 more to announce, suspect there will be at least one or two biggies in there. Really thought Hamilton would be there too...

To be fair, we're one lock light so you can kind of count Mata as the 6th lock in terms of squad space. Then Hamilton is medical cover for Barclay, who replaces Du Preez. Nayolo (sp?) replaces Hardie, and clearly not a like for like on quality, made up for by the fact that Crosbie is promoted from the academy. You can make a case for this being sensible resourcing.

We've cleared quite a lot of salary off the books too - Du Preez, Hardie, Freuan, Weir, Burleigh, SHC - all internationals / marquee / project players. Incoming of similar quality - Barclay, Hickey, Scott, Socino, Schoeman. I wonder if we may also see Dickinson's salary freed up...

[GaryIPA]

And Ford

[Friday Knight Lights]

And Ford

We could really use Ford coming back. McInally, Cherry and Fenton isn't significant with Rambo Scotland's first choice. Fenwick might come through but still.

Hamilton is clearly a good player. You don't have so many games for Leicester if not, so this is a good signing.

[adi1314]

Squad is showing some depth now across most forward positions, and I think we could put out a couple of decent packs. 9 is still an issue, but with Scott, Hickey & Socino to come into the backs and a fit Bennett, and Duhan & Blair, that looks like a handy side.

[adi1314]

Agreed, and old Zander hasn't been that impressive recently.

Anyone been on the Weegies forum to see if it's actually dissolved in a molten maelstrom of fury yet? Not quite sure of the strategy of keeping their signings under wraps, but at least they know there are still 5 more to announce, suspect there will be at least one or two biggies in there. Really thought Hamilton would be there too...
quote]

Looks like the ink ran out of THE PEN!

[Wottie]

Anyone been on the Weegies forum to see if it's actually dissolved in a molten maelstrom of fury yet? Not quite sure of the strategy of keeping their signings under wraps, but at least they know there are still 5 more to announce, suspect there will be at least one or two biggies in there. Really thought Hamilton would be there too...

Looks like the ink ran out of THE PEN!

I think to be fair to them they are all out knocking on doors with their petition to the SRU to achieve molten maelstrom of fury status. Still time however!

[The Feral Goat]

Re Dickinson - I am thinking pre-season and if/how he gets through that may be the point at which he makes a decision on his future.

Ford - I expect he will be back, always kept himself in good shape think this is his first major injury (?) I also think Cockerill will be very good for him and we will see an improved player.