Edinburgh sign Ben Atiga from the Highlanders

First topic message reminder :

http://www.edinburghrugby.org/news/edinburgh-news/4163-edinburgh-secure-all-black-back

Another big signing for Edinburgh, with Centre/Full-back Ben Atiga signing for 2 years from the Highlanders.

Well I know absolutely nothing about this guy - can Super 15 fans fill me in??

Fairly decent CV though, but hasn't played much recently by the look of things.

Not the 2nd row or winger we're desperate for though but he looks a decent guy to have in the squad....

Both appear in the top try scorers for Border prem teams too: The Young brothers of Jedforest

cp10 wrote:Not seen them play 15s but Gregor would have looked comfortable playing for Saracens. They ended up getting over powered by full time Pro's in the final. Including Nils Mordt, Joe Maddock, Tagicakibau, a couple of SQ qualified young players.

Melrose 7s is on BBC iPlayer. Not sure of the time but watch the QF, SF, and final near the end of the VT.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01gk45q/Rugby_The_Melrose_Sevens_14_04_2012/

Okay, well worth watching - the semi-final between Jed and Melrose is about the 3hr15min mark, and the final between Jed and Sarries at the 4hr 10min point. The Young brothers are twins, both back three players (so speedsters), both 6'4", both just over 14stone in weight - reckon if they put on another couple of stone and kept their other attributes, they could be immense. But why no academy/development contracts for them? Pls tell me this isn't another SRU special of no-age-group-representation=no-potential? Feics sake, these youngsters develop at different rates, and I'd certainly be looking very closely at the Young brothers



PS Watch out for Scott Spurling too - I'd expect to see him in the red rose of England at some point - more than a hint of Schalk Brits about him

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:Play there a they are 6ft 4??

Exactly. In fact, having checked out the Jed website, they are both back three players (wing/FB)

Let's name them, shall we - Lewis and Gregor Young.

Thanks for giving the times asbo - will take a look!

The Herald picked up on another young Scot prospect at the 7'S: Duncan Taylor

http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/rugby/profile-duncan-taylor.17352797

Also found out Neale Patrick at Rotherham is SQ and highly rated, along with lots of the Rotherham pack:

http://www.rotherhamrugby.co.uk/squad/85/neale-patrick/

6'6 and 18+ stone. Could he do a job at Edinburgh?

Good to see some names coming out of the woodwork. The SRU cannot be closed-minded as to where players will come from.

Agreed. I'm going to try to start an ongoing tread with all the Scots qualified players we all know. There's been lots mentioned on previous posts but I'm gonna try to save Sean Lineen a wee bit of time when he starts his new job.

TBH I'd be quite happy with a big lock from the likes of Rotherham or another similar sized championship club - if they are early or mid 20's there's plenty of time to get them up to speed with top level rugby.

That lad has a big frame on him too!

nickj wrote:Agreed. I'm going to try to start an ongoing tread with all the Scots qualified players we all know. There's been lots mentioned on previous posts but I'm gonna try to save Sean Lineen a wee bit of time when he starts his new job.

nick, there are several versions of a list in this article here, but it needs updating: https://www.606v2.com/t18797-scottish-rugby-needs-to-capitalise-on-football-s-demise

ASBO you are a scholar and a gent