Scottish Rugby

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Bristol Bears number eight Magnus Bradbury is set for an Edinburgh homecoming, according to a report by RugbyPass, external.

The 28-year-old joined the Bears two years ago and has enjoyed a fruitful spell in England, winning Bristol's Player of the Season award last year.

However, a swap with Bill Mata could be on the cards, with the Fijian on his way to Ashton Gate in the summer.

Bradbury's Bristol contract is up later this year and with the number eight shirt vacant, he could be lured into a return to the Scottish capital.

Elsewhere, RugbyPass, external have also reported that the SRU are interested in bringing Scotland international Rory Hutchinson north of the border.

The Cambridge-born centre has been with Northampton Saints for 10 years, but his contract expires at the end of the season. French clubs are also interested in the 28-year-old's signature.

Finally, former Glasgow and Scotland centre Sam Johnson is said to be on the lookout for a new club, with Pro D2 side Brive keep to offload non-French players.

Johnson, 30, was a regular in Gregor Townsend's Scotland squads for many years but hasn't been called up since the summer tour of 2022.

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Somehow, it's been 10 years since a 22-year-old Duncan Weir booted over his famous drop-goal against Italy in 2014 to ensure Scotland would not face the ignominy of winning the Six Nations' wooden spoon.

Since then, drop-goals have almost disappeared from the game, with only one during Gregor Townsend's tenure - Stuart Hogg v Samoa in the 2019 World Cup - and Weir explained why.

“It’s not something that’s really coached in the game anymore," he told the BBC Radio Scotland Rugby Podcast. "Everyone will know the routine of how to orchestrate it on the field, but I don’t think we’ve ever done it at Glasgow.

"It’s probably a dying art that the Scottish teams haven’t really utilised. Our DNA is to more to play, to score [tries] and be exciting rather than be more conservative and just take the three.

“It is strange that it has just died away.”

Scotland's fortunes have changed in the Six Nations since then, but Weir insists Italy cannot be taken lightly when the sides meet on Saturday.

“[Scotland] will know that Italy is going to be a tough task. With the new coach in there they look a tougher team to break down. They’re passionate people, they love playing at home and they always have their eye on that home Scotland fixture as one they could possibly tip us over.

"You know how physical a challenge that will be for a Scottish team to go there and win. It’s never quite as easy as some people might think.”

• Listen to the podcast when it is released at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday 5 March.

Sandy Smith
Edinburgh fan columnist

It’s entirely in keeping with being an Edinburgh supporter that even after a crucial win against a close rival who came into the game on a five-game winning streak that we still aren’t too happy.

The positives are that Harry Paterson, Tom Dodd and Hamish Watson all impressed, our set-piece was solid, and despite our lack of bonus points, we now sit fourth in the URC table.

The bonus points we ‘coulda-shoulda’ had is now irrelevant. With seven games to go in the regular season, a play-off place and potentially even a home tie is still achievable.

What has happened up to this juncture is, as Roy Batty says in Blade Runner, "lost in time, like tears in rain".

Ultimately it is an achievement that even with the worst record in the league for bonus points we are heading into the business end of the season having only lost one more game than the league leaders. I think 'tenacious' is the word we are looking for here. 'Dogged' might also fit the bill.

It could still go horribly wrong. We have a tricky fortnight in South Africa to negotiate but I believe we can take something from those games and then we'll be back to full strength for the run-in.

Keep the faith. I know it won't be easy and it may not be pretty but you'd have taken this position if offered it before the start of the season.

Grant Young
Glasgow Warriors fan columnist

Whisper it quietly, but this Glasgow squad are really good.

Another international window fixture ends with a Glasgow win.

What makes it an even bigger milestone is, not only was it a win with a depleted squad, but a win on the road in Italy to high-flying Benetton. That is a fixture that, in recent seasons, has often ended in defeat.

The amount of fringe players being trusted to play for the Warriors, both in and out of position, stands the squad in good measure and is testament to the improvement in the squad over the past two seasons.

I said it last week - Stafford McDowall has gone from strength to strength and continues to prove his worth not only in the midfield but also as the captain and leader of the team.

The next few games are crucial. Home to Cardiff, an in-form Welsh side, before a tough trip to Scarlets.

The Warriors will be hoping to continue to look down at the table rather than up at the leaders as the URC action heats up.

Russell Rhicard-Tierney
Edinburgh fan

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With a new team, new players and new opposition, Edinburgh fans had no idea how the Celtic Challenge would go. It turned out to be great fun.

Results were superb as only one loss in seven games lead to a second-placed finish.

Even better was the way this group of players came together, in no time at all, and became a real team. The use of SRU ‘transitional’ players proved a great move, and local players thrived. There were good crowds at the Hive, too. It’s been an unquestionable success.

In their final game, Edinburgh secured an incredibly hard-fought draw with the Clovers. Edinburgh defended for 70+ minutes before striking in the closing moments of each half.

Ireland’s Wolfhounds deservedly won the competition. Edinburgh enjoyed two great tussles with them. It’s a rivalry with potential to grow in future – especially if the competition expands to a home-and-away format.

It’s also been fantastic to see Edinburgh players included in Scotland’s extended Six Nations training squad.

Midfield rapier Emma Orr was a clear stand out, scoring five tries in five games. Flankers Alex Stewart and Merryn Gunderson were a revelation as a classic six/seven duo.

Scrum-half Leia Brebner-Holden brought pace and accuracy whenever she played. Wingers Cieron Bell – five tries in seven – and Nicole Flynn – still only 18 – both have huge futures ahead of them.

There were also others who must be close. The front-row group were all consistently impressive, while Natasha Logan stood out in the second row. Sarah Denholm looked assured at 10, while Kiwi centre Briar McNamara qualifies soon.

What’s next? I’d like to see the 'one club, two teams' ethos develop further. Open training, signing sessions, pre-season games, replica shirts, and a dual season-ticket option would be fantastic.

History has been made and us fans have been left hungry for more.

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Scotland have suffered an early blow in the Women's Six Nations with the news Meg Varley will miss the tournament through injury.

The Bristol Bears winger, 24, had been called up to the national squad for the very first time, qualifying through her Edinburgh-born grandmother.

However, she will now miss out after picking up an injury in the win over Loughborough Lightning two weeks ago.

To counter that news, Easson has called up six players to the squad, who are named as 'camp week two, day trainers'.

Nikki Simpson is the standout selection, with the hooker recently earning a first-ever development contract with Scottish Rugby.

She is joined by Glasgow teammate Holland Bogan, an 18-year-old who can play across both the second and back-row.

There are four Edinburgh players called up, including Scotland cap Sarah Denholm. The number 10 won her only cap in the 2019 autumn tests.

Alongside her are tighthead Molly Poolman, second-row Natasha Logan, and winger Hannah Walker.

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

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In the final weekend of PWR action before Scotland's extended Six Nations squad meets up for the first time, let's see how our Exiles got on.

At the top of the table, Gloucester-Hartpury held off Exeter Chiefs to maintain their unbeaten record.

Caity Mattinson played the final 10 minutes in a 31-24 win, while Eilidh Sinclair started on the wing for Exeter and scored a try at the death to make the scoreline more respectable.

Lana Skeldon was on the scoresheet once again for Bristol Bears as they recorded a 10-38 win away at Trailfinders.

Skeldon dotted down after coming off the bench alongside fellow Scots Elliann Clarke and Meryl Smith, as Evie Gallagher started at openside flanker.

Saracens were the biggest winners of the day, beating Leicester Tigers 54-19, and they did it with an all-Scottish second-row as Fi McIntosh partnered Louise McMillan in the boiler room.

Coreen Grant also started on the wing, while Beth Blacklock was a replacement.

Leicester changed their front-row, meaning Lisa Cockburn and Leah Bartlett came off the bench - with the latter scoring a late try. However, Eva Donaldson made a rare start in the second-row.

Finally, as Loughborough Lightning beat Sale Sharks 38-15, fullback Helen Nelson was awarded Player of the Match, despite captain Rachel Malcolm's try-scoring performance. Tighthead Christine Belisle also started for the hosts.

For Sharks, replacement scrum-half Mhairi Grieve was back as the solitary Scot after a two-match ban. She may soon be joined in the teamsheet by winger Izzy McGuire-Evans, who signed a contract at Sharks through the week.

Rhona Lloyd scored on her first Edinburgh start to earn her side a 12-12 draw against Irish side Clovers in the Celtic Challenge.

Edinburgh had already sealed second spot last weekend behind champions Wolfhounds, while Clovers finished their campaign in fourth.

Clovers dominated possession and territory for most of the first half, but Edinburgh struck first, Briar McNamara crossing just before the break after a powerful run to the line.

Nicole Marlow added the conversion to give the Scots a 7-0 half-time lead.

A rejuvenated Clovers hit back early in the second half, Claire Gorman finding space on the wing after a solid Irish scrum.

They were back in again after a crossfield kick resulted in a red face moment for Edinburgh wing Cieron Bell, who misjudged the high ball to allow Clara Barrett in for an easy score. Kate Flannery added the conversion.

Edinburgh finished the stronger and got their deserved draw when Lloyd was put over on her wing in the final minute.

Clovers: Aoife Corey; Claire Gorman, Clara Barrett, Kayla Waldron, Alana McInerney; Nicole Fowley, Ailsa Hughes; Niamh O'Dowd, Maeve Og O'Leary Megan Collis, Ruth Campbell, Dorothy Wall (capt), Jane Clohessy, Brianna Heylmann, Ivana Kiripati.

Replacements: Beth Buttimer, Grainne Burke, Roisin Ormond, Faith Oviawe, Claire Bennett, Muirne Wall, Kate Flannery, Michelle O'Driscoll.

Edinburgh: Nicole Marlow; Rhona Lloyd, Nicole Flynn, Briar McNamara, Cieron Bell; Sarah Denholm (capt), Leia Brebner-Holden; Poppy Fletcher, Aila Ronald, Molly Poolman, Adelle Ferrie, Natasha Logan, Merryn Gunderson, Alex Stewart, Freya Walker.

Replacements: Nicola Haynes, Alison Wilson, Katie Lindsay, Lucy Kidd, Sam Taganekurukuru, Zoe Turner, Hannah Ramsay, Hannah Walker.

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We asked for your thoughts after Glasgow's hard-fought 19-9 URC win over Benetton.

Here's what you had to say:

Kenny: A scrappy affair in poor conditions, Glasgow showed the resilience to withstand good periods of Benetton pressure. Its all building to a tense closing period in the URC season for the Scotstoun faithful.

JB: Looked like the game was being played in slow motion. Glasgow's attack was being run way behind the gain line. Would love to see Ross Thomson mature to be the next Finn Russell but he has a way to go.

Chris: Absolutely love the URC standings at this point. Two Scottish, one South African and one Irish team in top four. You'd take that at the beginning of the season. There is long way to go but no reason both can't go far in the knockout stages

Lewis: Glasgow won a hard-fought game in bad conditions vs a good Benetton side. They kicked more than I expected, but kicked well.

Glasgow fans, we want your thoughts after Glasgow battled to victory away to Benetton in the URC.

Have your say on the game here.

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Glasgow showed impressive versatility in their hard-fought win over Benetton, according to former club captain Ryan Wilson.

Warriors reined in their usual free-flowing attacking game in favour of a high-percentage, low-risk strategy in northern Italy.

"Franco Smith will be relatively happy with the way they won that," Wilson said. "It wasn't the typical Glasgow we have seen. They kicked more but they kicked wisely, which is key.

"This is what I love about Glasgow, they find a different way to win. They have something else in the armoury and they showed today they can win in different ways."

Glasgow centre Stafford McDowall was named Player of the Match, and he says the conditions were a factor in their gameplan.

"We've not won here in two or three years," he said "Especially in conditions like this we knew it would be tough and Benetton were going to fight for everything. We're very proud.

"We knew that in the wet, if we could put some pressure on them and make them turn back, it would be a good result for us."

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Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith was proud of how his side stuck to the process despite tricky conditions in their 19-9 win away to Benetton.

"It's always tough to win away from home," he told Viaplay. "I think the conditions made it difficult. You could see that in how the pitch cut up and the water didn't make it easy to play.

"Despite that, for us to stick to what we do well and do well without the ball as much as we did with the ball, I'm very happy with that. We're happy with that and now we go on and look towards the next game.

"They are a proud team, they haven't lost here all season. I think we know it's better to play without the ball in these conditions and give them the ball because errors will come."

We asked for your thoughts after Edinburgh scraped to a 19-15 URC win over Ospreys.

Here's what you had to say:

Joe: Awful game with a poor game-plan from Edinburgh.

Derek: Ben Healy is reliable and has helped Edinburgh in crucial ways but the backline is still disjointed. Is it personnel or is it coaching or both? Whatever it is, it needs an overhaul. Hamish Watson is striving for his best but Scotland have so many options, I can’t see him forcing his way back in.

Charlie: With that display, Watson surely has to be in the Scotland matchday 23. He was terrific and got some crucial turnovers for Edinburgh.

Robert: Watson was superb, but Scotland are hardly going to drop (co-captain) Rory Darge after his performance against England? Again not really suitable as the back-row replacement as he only covers openside.

Leon: Sometimes you have to win ugly. This shouldn't have been one of those times. A fairly loaded Edinburgh side against Ospreys, who despite being on a decent run still look a long way off a team that are likely to win anything outwith the URC shield, should have resulted in a straightforward bonus-point win. Edinburgh in the play-offs will get a hiding.

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Player of the Match Hamish Watson admits Edinburgh lost their way in the second half of Friday's 19-15 win at home to Ospreys.

"It was a very frustrating game," said the Scotland flanker, who scored the hosts' only try on a blustery evening.

"We controlled the first half very well, we sort of stuck to our game plan, kicked well and put a lot of pressure on the Ospreys. The second half, we started well but then our kick plan and our attack sort of went stagnant and they scored a decent try and we gave away a few too many turnovers.

"We knew they're a really good team, they're on a roll so we knew it was going to be tough and they weren't going to go away easy.

"Credit to Ospreys they were good but it was one of those game you come off the field and it feels a tiny bit like a loss, but it's still a win and four points.

"Our set-piece was really good up until we probably got to 10 metres out then we had a couple of opportunities where our lineout didn't go to plan."

Edinburgh go off to South Africa for a double-header against Stormers and Sharks next.

"There is a lot to work on for us," added Watson.

"We've got a week off, then a training week, and the tour of South Africa which is going to be really tough. We have a lot to do but we're in the right half of the table."

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Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt was pleased to pick up a 19-15 win at home to Ospreys but was left frustrated by elements of the display.

"I'm just happy that we got another win," he said. "Wins are so important at this point to stay in touch with the guys at the top. Obviously, the performance we are not happy with."

The visitors closed to within a point, having trailed 16-3 at the interval, before Ben Healey slotted over his fourth penalty late in the game to make sure Edinburgh nudge up to fourth place in the URC table.

"We trained that defensive play at the end all week," explained Everitt. "If the guys prepare well, you're able to get the ball and the score in your favour at the end of the game. Happy we got the result.

"It was tough in the conditions but we did get our opportunities and it was a lot more slippery in the first half. I think the wind dried it up a bit in the second half.

"The line break of Matt Currie, we managed to finish that off and get a good try. I think when your set-piece, your maul isn't functioning as it should, that's where our problem is, we had three opportunities to get over from a maul. We just couldn't get it over and credit to Ospreys for stopping it.

"We knew the Ospreys first choice front row was going to be formidable, we saw what they did to Ulster a couple of weeks ago. I think it was just a matter of time before fatigue set in. I thought Boan [Venter] and Javan [Sebastian] when he came on for WP Nel did really well.

"Those were very important penalties for us and it was about converting those penalties into points and that's what we're doing at the moment.

"Ben Healy did very well and sometimes you need to win that way and in the conditions.

"There was a lot of effort again, you won't see Edinburgh boys walking around the field and being sluggish, it's something we pride ourselves on. We want to be a resilient team which we showed in the scoreboard by getting the win."

Edinburgh narrowly won 19-15 against Ospreys this evening. Who stood out for you?

Have Ben Healy and Hamish Watson done enough to finally be used in the Scotland squad?

Have your say here.

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'A' sides from Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors will take part in the upcoming Super Series Sprint.

Beginning on the Friday, 19 April, the six other sides will face either Edinburgh or Glasgow in rounds one, three and five, depending on which professional team they are aligned to.

Edinburgh A will face Southern Knights, Heriot's Rugby and Watsonians while Glasgow A will play Boroughmuir Bears, Stirling Wolves and Ayrshire Bulls.

Despite only being involved in three of the six regular rounds, any points accumulated by the Super Series teams against the A sides will count towards the final league standings to determine the play-offs.

Round 1:

Friday, 19 April (19:35 GMT kick-offs)

Southern Knights v Edinburgh A

Ayrshire Bulls v Stirling Wolves

Saturday, 20 April (15:00)

Boroughmuir Bears v Glasgow Warriors A

Heriot's Rugby v Watsonians

Round 2:

Friday, 26 April (19:35)

Ayrshire Bulls v Watsonians

Saturday, 27 April (15:00)

Stirling Wolves v Heriot's Rugby

Southern Knights v Boroughmuir Bears

Round 3:

Friday, 3 May (19:35)

Stirling Wolves v Glasgow Warriors A

Boroughmuir Bears v Ayrshire Bulls

Saturday, 4 May

Heriot’s Rugby v Edinburgh A (15:00)

Southern Knights v Watsonians (17:00)

Round 4:

Friday, 17 May (19:35)

Boroughmuir Bears v Heriot's Rugby

Saturday, 18 May (15:00)

Ayrshire Bulls v Southern Knights

Stirling Wolves v Watsonians

Round 5:

Friday, 24 May (19:35)

Ayrshire Bulls v Glasgow Warriors A

Watsonians v Edinburgh A

Saturday, 25 May (15:00)

Heriot's Rugby v Southern Knights

Boroughmuir Bears v Stirling Wolves

Round 6:

Friday, 31 May (19:35)

Southern Knights v Stirling Wolves

Saturday, 1 June (15:00)

Heriot's Rugby v Ayrshire Bulls

Watsonians v Boroughmuir Bears

Play-offs:

Friday, 7 June (19:35)

First v Second

Saturday, 8 June (15:00)

Third v Fourth

Fifth v Sixth

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Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith is "excited" to welcome fit-again wing Sebastian Cancelliere back into his starting XV against Benetton in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday.

"He’s been training really well," the South African said. "He did a lot to get physically better and enhance his speed in this period when he was waiting to be cleared for contact.

"We’re really excited that he will come in and add that classic value that he’s always shown."

Smith has again shown his intention to name the best available players no matter their positions after naming three hookers in the side.

"Last game out, we had three hookers and three scrum halves, so that is the way we do it," he said. "I’m excited to see the guys' versatility. They were all willing to contribute, even if it is outside of their role.

"We want good rugby players out there and not necessarily players in a specific role. It’s fantastic for the availability of these boys to change environment.

"Everyone has got their role to play and we’ve got the international boys coming back in a couple of weeks. It will be good because we will have a good rotation system and give everyone time to rest and recover.

"It is important to have people who can substitute one another and that you always have the best product out there."