URC
Gilchrist and Ritchie unveiled as 22/23 co-captains
The forward duo will share the role for the new campaign, which gets started in three days’ time, as the capital side host Dragons RFC in their BKT URC opener on Saturday evening (17 September, kick-off 7.35pm) at DAM Health Stadium.
Back-row Ritchie, 26, is named co-captain for the very first time in his Edinburgh career and joins Gilchrist, 32, in a joint leadership role, with the experienced lock and club centurion appointed co-captain for the third consecutive season and fourth overall (2016, 2020, 2021, 2022).
The pair are two of Edinburgh’s longest tenured stars, with Gilchrist (175 Edinburgh appearances) entering his 12th season in the capital and Ritchie (85 Edinburgh appearances) his ninth, while both have previously been named in captaincy roles at international level during their respective Scotland careers.
Gilchrist (55 caps) was named Scotland captain during the recent Summer Tour to South America, while Ritchie (32 caps) was chosen to captain Scotland for the 2021 Summer Tests in Georgia and Romania – with both games cancelled due to the impact of the covid pandemic – but the back-row did co-captain his country alongside Ali Price in last Autumn’s Test match against Tonga.
Both players have been at the club their entire careers and now gear up to co-captain their boyhood team on the eve of BKT URC season kick-off.
Gilchrist said: “I’m really proud to have been named co-captain alongside Jamie this year. It’s hard for me to put into words what Edinburgh Rugby means to me.
“It’s been such a big part of my life. Living in Edinburgh with my family, we have such a connection to the people and the city – so to be named as co-captain is such an honour.
The lock continued: “I look at the list of captains who’ve come before me in both the amateur and pro eras and there are so many guys there that I look up to.
“Building that connection with our past is something that I’m really passionate about it and motivates me to play – it’s such a great feeling to be up there as co-captain.”
Former Howe of Fife RFC, Madras College and Strathallan School standout Ritchie has been one of the club’s most consistent performers since signing a senior deal straight out of high school aged just 17-years-old.
The former Scotland U20 captain came off the bench to make his senior team debut in Dublin against Leinster in October 2014 and has never looked back.
The back-row was named in Gregor Townsend’s Scotland squad for the 2018 Summer Tour to Canada, USA and Argentina and made his international debut at the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton.
Ritchie was one of Scotland’s standout performers during the 2019 Six Nations campaign and that form continued into Rugby World Cup 2019, where an impressive showing in defeat to Japan rubber-stamped his status as one of World Rugby’s up-and-coming stars.
Ritchie then committed his long-term future to the club in January 2021.
Ritchie said: “I’m extremely proud to be named as co-captain. Edinburgh Rugby is a club that means so much to me. It’s been a massive part of my entire adult life, as I’ve been here since I was 17 years old.
“I’m hugely excited to be working with Gilco [Grant Gilchrist]. We have a great relationship. We share lifts into training in the morning and he’s been here for my entire time at the club.
“His experience will be invaluable for me to learn from. He’s a real Edinburgh Rugby legend and I’m massively excited to be named co-captain alongside him.
“It’s a true honour to be selected as captain with Gilco and I’m absolutely buzzing to get going.”
Head Coach Mike Blair – who captained the club in both 2009 and 2010 – added: “We’re delighted to appoint Grant and Jamie as our 22/23 co-captains – they both epitomise what it means to play for Edinburgh Rugby.
“They are two of the most consistent and committed players we have at the club, while they command respect across the dressing room because of the way they lead by example.
“I’d like to also mention Stuart [McInally] alongside our co-captains. Although he doesn’t have an official captaincy title this season, he will continue to play a significant role in our leadership group – he’s an outstanding player and man.
“It’s a massive season for the club as we celebrate our 150th anniversary and our proud heritage has so often been exemplified by the captains that have never wavered in their pride to play for Edinburgh.”
Content & Images from – Edinburgh Rugby
The Munster squad are preparing at the HPC ahead of Saturday night’s URC Round 13 clash against Cardiff at Thomond Park.
The game kicks off at 7.35pm with tickets from €20 available here.
In player news, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Crowley, Conor Murray, Calvin Nash and Peter O’Mahony have all returned to the HPC after helping Ireland to the 6 Nations title.
On the injury front, Academy back-row forward Ruadhán Quinn suffered a hand injury against Ospreys on Friday night and will be sidelined for a number of weeks.
Oli Jager and Fineen Wycherley have started their rehab following minor procedures for respective knee injuries.
Alex Nankivell is completing the RTP protocols and his availability will be determined later this week.
Simon Zebo was unavailable for the Ospreys game due to a low-grade hip injury and is due to return to training this week.
Continuing to rehab: Dave Kilcoyne (shoulder), Diarmuid Barron (foot), Roman Salanoa (knee), Jean Kleyn (knee/eye), Paddy Patterson (knee), Liam Coombes (shoulder), Patrick Campbell (shoulder).
There were 15 Munster players in AIL action at the weekend.
In Division 1A, Fionn Gibbons and Chris Moore helped Young Munster beat Dublin University with Gibbons among the tries.
Mark Donnelly lined out for Cork Constitution as they were beaten by Terenure College.
Kieran Ryan, Darragh McSweeney and Daniel Okeke couldn’t prevent Shannon falling to a defeat to City of Armagh.
In Division 1B, Colm Hogan, Jack Oliver, George Hadden, Max Clein, Cian Hurley and Jack Daly helped Garryowen to a win over Queen’s University. Hogan, Clein and Cronin were among the tries with Oliver kicking a conversion.
Scott Buckley and Andrew O’Mahony were in action for UCC as they lost to St Mary’s College.
Tickets
URC Round 13: Saturday, March 30
Munster v Cardiff Rugby, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
Women’s 6 Nations Round 3: Saturday, April 13
Ireland v Wales, Virgin Media Park, 4.45pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 16: Saturday, May 11
Munster v Connacht, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 18: Saturday, June 1
Munster v Ulster, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
Images & Content from Munster Rugby
The Munster squad are continuing preparations ahead of Friday night’s URC Round 12 clash against Ospreys in Swansea (7.35pm).
On the injury front, there is good news for John Hodnett (finger), Jack O’Donoghue (knee) and Simon Zebo (knee) as they all return to training this week.
Oli Jager (knee) and Fineen Wycherley (knee) are both due to see specialists this week for possible surgery.
Alex Nankivell is following the return to play protocols following a head injury in training last week.
On the international front, Craig Casey and Jeremy Loughman have returned to the squad after Ireland’s 6 Nations triumph at the weekend.
Continuing to rehab: Dave Kilcoyne (shoulder), Diarmuid Barron (foot), Roman Salanoa (knee), Jean Kleyn (knee/eye), Paddy Patterson (knee), Liam Coombes (shoulder), Patrick Campbell (shoulder).
Tickets
URC Round 13: Saturday, March 30
Munster v Cardiff Rugby, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
Women’s 6 Nations Round 3: Saturday, April 13
Ireland v Wales, Virgin Media Park, 4.45pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 16: Saturday, May 11
Munster v Connacht, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 18: Saturday, June 1
Munster v Ulster, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
Images & Content from Munster Rugby
Sutherland to join Glasgow Warriors
Glasgow Warriors can confirm that Scotland prop Rory Sutherland will join the club this summer.
The British and Irish Lion joins the Scotstoun-outfit from French side Oyonnax, making the move to Scotstoun on a two-year deal as Franco Smith’s squad continues to take shape.
The confirmation of the loose-head prop’s move to Glasgow also comes on the eve of his involvement in Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash with Ireland in Dublin, where he is in contention to win his 30th cap for Scotland, part of the match day squad.
The 31-year-old Sutherland will bring a dynamic ball-carrying presence to the Warriors in addition to a solid platform at the set-piece.
After making his debut for Edinburgh in 2014, the prop went on to make 91 appearances in the capital before a summer switch to Worcester Warriors in 2021.
A short-term stint with Ulster followed after Worcester’s demise in 2022, running out on 12 occasions for the Irish province.
Sutherland’s form for Scotland across the 2020 and 2021 campaigns saw him selected for the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa, joining future Glasgow team-mate Zander Fagerson amongst the front-row options.
He became the first Scottish prop to represent the invitational squad since the late Tom Smith when selected for the first Test, playing just under an hour in the 22-17 victory over the Springboks.
Sutherland said: “The past couple of years have been tough since I had to leave Worcester. I’ve been at a few clubs and I haven’t had the consistency I’d have liked in my game. This move to Glasgow, and back to Scotland, offers me the chance to work on getting that back into my rugby.
“Glasgow is a really successful team, so to be offered the chance to come to Scotstoun is attractive for any player. For me, it allows me to come back home, and be closer to my family, which will work wonders for me.
“I’ve gotten close to some of the Glasgow players while in camp with Scotland and they talk highly of Franco and the culture in the club. I’m looking forward to that and getting back to the homeland!”
Head Coach Smith added: “We are pleased to be able to add a prop of Rory’s calibre to our squad ahead of next season.
“His qualities will make him a real asset to our playing group, as we continue to develop our strength in every position.
“We look forward to seeing him in action at Scotstoun over the next couple of seasons and we know that the Warrior Nation will welcome him to our club.”
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