Duncan Weir 'looking after number one' and eyeing Scotland number 10 jersey

Duncan Weir switched to Edinburgh this summer

Duncan Weir says he had to look out for himself when he made the decision to leave Glasgow Warriors for Edinburgh.

The Scotland fly-half brought an end to a six-year stint at Warriors having fallen behind Finn Russell in the pecking order for club and country.

"Last year was the first time I probably caught a glimpse of how hard and ruthless an industry professional sport can be," Weir said.

"You have to look after number one and the perfect opportunity came here."

Weir is hoping more game-time at Edinburgh can help him challenge for Scotland's number 10 jersey but is not taking his club place for granted.

"I know I'm going to get pushed with Jason Tovey and Blair Kinghorn, and even Phil Burleigh, for the 10 shirt here, but at the same time, it's a great place for my development," Weir told BBC Scotland.

"I've worked with [Edinburgh assistant] Duncan Hodge for nearly 10 years now. I know him really well on a personal level and I know what his coaching abilities are like, so that was a huge interest for me to come over here.

"I'm still only 25 and I still want to get better. The platform here at Edinburgh was just too good for me to turn down."

Duncan Weir spent six years with Glasgow Warriors

With Russell due to return to action with Glasgow in a matter of weeks after a serious head injury and Ruaridh Jackson hoping to make an impact in the English Premiership with Harlequins this season, competition looks healthy for the Scotland fly-half berth.

Weir, who has been capped 23 times, believes the competition can only be good for the national team.

"Competition for places is always going to be good, especially for a Scotland jersey," he said.

"I don't think it's right to have that handed on a plate to you. It's great for the country, it's great for everyone involved in those dilemmas.

"It'll be good for the national team and, egos aside, that's all that really matters.

"Obviously you want to be there as an individual, but the best thing for the nation is more important than an ego."

Having only left Scotstoun in the summer, Weir could be set for a reunion with Townsend at international level, with the Warriors coach replacing Scotland head coach Vern Cotter at the end of the season.

Good relationship with Townsend

He insists he has no point to prove to the man who let him go.

"I've got a great relationship with Gregor," said Weir. "When I decided to move away from Glasgow, he was first class.

"I had quite a few conversations with him about where I was hoping to go and what my steps should be moving forward.

"He was brilliant with me at Glasgow and I hope to improve that relationship at international level, but you have to merit that call-up by playing good rugby at Edinburgh.

"I think Vern's been great for the country. He's really brought that pride back into the Scotland jersey.

"It was a really successful World Cup, just a few minutes off a semi-final.

"It's sad to see him go, but I know how good a coach Gregor is after working with him for four years at Glasgow, so it's going to be exciting to see him in the national set-up."