Edinburgh Gunners
Encyclopedia
Edinburgh Rugby is one of two professional
rugby union
teams in Scotland
competing in the RaboDirect Pro12 League along with Glasgow Warriors
, their oldest rivals. Edinburgh currently play their home games at Murrayfield Stadium
.
The original Edinburgh district team played the first ever inter-district match against Glasgow
in 1872, winning the match 3–0. The team were reformed in 1996 to compete in the Heineken Cup
, their best performance coming in the 2003/04 tournament where they became the first Scottish side to reach the quarter-finals.
did not believe that Scottish club sides could compete against the best teams from France and England. They therefore decided that the four district teams were to be Scotland's vehicle for professional rugby and in 1996 the Edinburgh District team was reformed as Edinburgh Rugby to compete in the Heineken Cup
. Due to the SRU's high debt, partly as a result of the redevelopment of Murrayfield Stadium
, retrenchment was called for and the 4 professional sides were reduced to 2. After two seasons, Edinburgh were merged with the Border Reivers
to form a team known as Edinburgh Reivers.
For the 1999 and 2000 seasons the Scottish Rugby Union
and Welsh Rugby Union
joined forces, with the expansion of the Welsh Premier Division
to include Edinburgh Reivers and Glasgow Caledonians
under the name Welsh-Scottish League
. However further change was imminent and in 2001 an agreement was made between the Irish Rugby Football Union
, Scottish Rugby Union and Welsh Rugby Union
to create a new competition which would bring in the four Irish provinces. 2001 would see the very first incarnation of the Celtic League
. In that inaugural season Edinburgh finished in sixth place in the league.
The following season, to coincide with the re-establishment of the Border Reivers
, a Scottish League competition modelled on the Tri-Nations
was introduced alongside the Celtic League, however this only survived for one season, Edinburgh becoming the only champions.
Following the reduction of Scotland's professional structure to two sides a rebranding took place. Edinburgh Reivers were simply titled 'Edinburgh Rugby' with the Glasgow Caledonians undergoing a similar renaming process as part of a "major revamp" of the professional structure in Scotland.
In the 2003/2004 season the team found some success as they reached the inaugural Celtic Cup final – beating Cardiff Blues
and Connacht
en route in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively. The team's good run came to an end in final, however, with 21–27 loss to Ulster
at Murrayfield. David Humphreys kicked 17 points in the match to earn the Irish province the trophy
For the 2005/2006 season, Edinburgh found themselves looking for a new coach following the departure of Frank Hadden
to coach Scotland
. Sean Lineen
, then Glasgow Warriors assistant coach, was linked with the post before Todd Blackadder
acquired the position for the season after a spell as interim coach. During the same season the team nickname was incorporated into the official name, making them the Edinburgh Gunners. The term Gunners was dropped on 29 September 2006, after the club had become Scottish rugby's first private franchise during the summer, and the team reverted back to being known as just Edinburgh Rugby. One of the reasons for this reversion being that the word Gunners was already a registered Trademark of Arsenal Football Club
. Another being that the new owners wanted to rebrand the team in order to help provide a fresh new look, and to further aid this a new club logo was also introduced.
. The team were thought to be favourites to be scrapped after the Scottish Rugby Union
had warned that funding problems could force it to scrap one of its Celtic League sides. The SRU were to retain a seat on the new company board and continue to provide funding and support to the new owners in development. Following the departure of Todd Blackadder to join the Crusaders coaching setup in the Super 14
, Lynn Howells
was appointed as head coach by new executive chairman Alex Carruthers.
. This included leading players such as Chris Paterson
and Mike Blair
The dispute escalated when on 9 July 2007 Edinburgh revoked their associate membership of the SRU. This led to doubts over whether Edinburgh could fulfill fixtures in the Celtic League and Heineken Cup and whether Edinburgh players were insured for playing at club level. The resignation was withdrawn on 12 July, with Bob Carruthers asking to "talk directly to someone" and insisting the proposed signing of Australia
stand-off Stephen Larkham
would go ahead.
Despite this, the dispute continued, with both sides initiating legal action against the other. The situation was resolved in August 2007 with the termination of the franchise agreement and the return of Edinburgh to the direct control of the SRU.
Following the return to SRU control the club coach Lynn Howells was dismissed. SRU head of player development was appointed interim coach and Nic Cartwright appointed Chief Executive. Former British and Irish Lions
captain Gavin Hastings
was subsequently appointed Chairman stating his "desire and passion to see this game and this club grow". The proposed signing of Stephen Larkham fell through after the SRU were unable to honour the terms of the agreement. This was viewed as a disappointment at the time as the signing was considered a coup for the beleaguered SRU when the signing was initially announced.
Following an application process it was announced on 1 October 2007 that Andy Robinson
, the former England
head coach, would become the club's new head coach. Edinburgh showed progress under Robinson, performing well at home in the Heineken Cup posting wins against Leinster
and Leicester Tigers
and a narrow loss to Toulouse
, earning a bonus point. Following disappointing performances by Scotland in the 6 Nations, and Robinson co-coaching Scotland A, there were rumours of Robinson taking a post within the Scotland set-up after helping Edinburgh to climb to 3rd in the Celtic League.
This progress, however, was counter-pointed by some disappointing results including being shutout by Cardiff Blues
at Murrayfield and losing the 1872 Challenge Cup on aggregate to rivals Glasgow Warriors.
On 26 December 2008 the a new home record attendance of 12,534 was set against Glasgow Warriors. In the 2008/2009 season Edinburgh reached their highest position finishing in second place behind Munster
.
Andy Robinson left in 2009 to take up the position of head coach of the Scottish national side. Rob Moffat took over at Edinburgh. Michael Bradley is the new manager for 2011/12.
Dave Hewett Rob Dewey
Marcus di Rollo
Dougie Hall
Nathan Hines
Duncan Hodge
Brendan Laney
Francisco Leonelli
Lucio Lopez Fleming Scott Murray Fergus Pringle Mike Pyke
Ander Monro
Simon Taylor
Craig Smith Hugo Southwell
Ally Hogg
2011- Nick Scrivener 2011 (interim) Rob Moffat
2009-2011 Andy Robinson
2007–2009 Henry Edwards 2007 (interim) Lynn Howells
2006–2007 Todd Blackadder
2005–2006 Frank Hadden
2000–2005 Bob Easson 2000 Iain Rankin 1996–2000
Professional
A professional is a person who is paid to undertake a specialised set of tasks and to complete them for a fee. The traditional professions were doctors, lawyers, clergymen, and commissioned military officers. Today, the term is applied to estate agents, surveyors , environmental scientists,...
rugby union
Rugby union
Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
teams in Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
competing in the RaboDirect Pro12 League along with Glasgow Warriors
Glasgow Warriors
The Glasgow Warriors, formerly Glasgow Rugby, are one of two professional rugby union teams in Scotland, Edinburgh being the other. They play in the RaboDirect Pro12 and their home ground is Firhill Stadium, also the home of Partick Thistle Football Club.-History:Glasgow Rugby were created to...
, their oldest rivals. Edinburgh currently play their home games at Murrayfield Stadium
Murrayfield Stadium
Murrayfield Stadium is a sports stadium located in the west end of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Its all-seater capacity was recently reduced from 67,800 to 67,130 to incorporate the largest permanent "big screen" in the country though it still remains the largest stadium in Scotland and one...
.
The original Edinburgh district team played the first ever inter-district match against Glasgow
Glasgow Warriors
The Glasgow Warriors, formerly Glasgow Rugby, are one of two professional rugby union teams in Scotland, Edinburgh being the other. They play in the RaboDirect Pro12 and their home ground is Firhill Stadium, also the home of Partick Thistle Football Club.-History:Glasgow Rugby were created to...
in 1872, winning the match 3–0. The team were reformed in 1996 to compete in the Heineken Cup
Heineken Cup
The Heineken Cup is one of two annual rugby union competitions organised by European Rugby Cup involving leading club, regional and provincial teams from the six International Rugby Board countries in Europe whose national teams compete in the Six Nations Championship: England, France, Ireland,...
, their best performance coming in the 2003/04 tournament where they became the first Scottish side to reach the quarter-finals.
History
Edinburgh District played in the world's first ever inter-district match against Glasgow in 1872.Professional Era changes & Establishment: 1996
With the game turning professional in 1995 the Scottish Rugby UnionScottish Rugby Union
The Scottish Rugby Union is the governing body of rugby union in Scotland. It is the second oldest Rugby Union, having been founded in 1873, as the Scottish Football Union.-History:...
did not believe that Scottish club sides could compete against the best teams from France and England. They therefore decided that the four district teams were to be Scotland's vehicle for professional rugby and in 1996 the Edinburgh District team was reformed as Edinburgh Rugby to compete in the Heineken Cup
Heineken Cup
The Heineken Cup is one of two annual rugby union competitions organised by European Rugby Cup involving leading club, regional and provincial teams from the six International Rugby Board countries in Europe whose national teams compete in the Six Nations Championship: England, France, Ireland,...
. Due to the SRU's high debt, partly as a result of the redevelopment of Murrayfield Stadium
Murrayfield Stadium
Murrayfield Stadium is a sports stadium located in the west end of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Its all-seater capacity was recently reduced from 67,800 to 67,130 to incorporate the largest permanent "big screen" in the country though it still remains the largest stadium in Scotland and one...
, retrenchment was called for and the 4 professional sides were reduced to 2. After two seasons, Edinburgh were merged with the Border Reivers
Border Reivers (Rugby)
Border Reivers, originally known as 'Scottish Borders Rugby' and also known as 'The Borders' were one of four professional rugby union teams in Scotland, alongside Edinburgh, Caledonia Reds and Glasgow Warriors....
to form a team known as Edinburgh Reivers.
For the 1999 and 2000 seasons the Scottish Rugby Union
Scottish Rugby Union
The Scottish Rugby Union is the governing body of rugby union in Scotland. It is the second oldest Rugby Union, having been founded in 1873, as the Scottish Football Union.-History:...
and Welsh Rugby Union
Welsh Rugby Union
The Welsh Rugby Union is the governing body of rugby union in Wales, recognised by the International Rugby Board.The union's patron is Queen Elizabeth II, and her grandson Prince William of Wales became the Vice Royal Patron of the Welsh Rugby Union as of February 2007.-History:The roots of the...
joined forces, with the expansion of the Welsh Premier Division
Welsh Premier Division
The Welsh Premier Division is a rugby union league in Wales first implemented by the Welsh Rugby Union for the 1990–91 season.-Competition history:...
to include Edinburgh Reivers and Glasgow Caledonians
Glasgow Warriors
The Glasgow Warriors, formerly Glasgow Rugby, are one of two professional rugby union teams in Scotland, Edinburgh being the other. They play in the RaboDirect Pro12 and their home ground is Firhill Stadium, also the home of Partick Thistle Football Club.-History:Glasgow Rugby were created to...
under the name Welsh-Scottish League
Celtic League (rugby union)
The Celtic League is an annual rugby union competition involving professional sides from Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales....
. However further change was imminent and in 2001 an agreement was made between the Irish Rugby Football Union
Irish Rugby Football Union
The Irish Rugby Football Union is the body managing rugby union in Ireland. The IRFU has its head office at 10/12 Lansdowne Road and home ground at Aviva Stadium, where Irish rugby union international matches are played...
, Scottish Rugby Union and Welsh Rugby Union
Welsh Rugby Union
The Welsh Rugby Union is the governing body of rugby union in Wales, recognised by the International Rugby Board.The union's patron is Queen Elizabeth II, and her grandson Prince William of Wales became the Vice Royal Patron of the Welsh Rugby Union as of February 2007.-History:The roots of the...
to create a new competition which would bring in the four Irish provinces. 2001 would see the very first incarnation of the Celtic League
Celtic League (rugby union)
The Celtic League is an annual rugby union competition involving professional sides from Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales....
. In that inaugural season Edinburgh finished in sixth place in the league.
The following season, to coincide with the re-establishment of the Border Reivers
Border Reivers (Rugby)
Border Reivers, originally known as 'Scottish Borders Rugby' and also known as 'The Borders' were one of four professional rugby union teams in Scotland, alongside Edinburgh, Caledonia Reds and Glasgow Warriors....
, a Scottish League competition modelled on the Tri-Nations
Rugby Union Tri Nations
The Rugby Championship is an international rugby union competition contested annually by Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The competition is organized by SANZAR, a consortium formed by the governing bodies of the Australian Rugby Union, the New Zealand Rugby Union and the South...
was introduced alongside the Celtic League, however this only survived for one season, Edinburgh becoming the only champions.
Following the reduction of Scotland's professional structure to two sides a rebranding took place. Edinburgh Reivers were simply titled 'Edinburgh Rugby' with the Glasgow Caledonians undergoing a similar renaming process as part of a "major revamp" of the professional structure in Scotland.
In the 2003/2004 season the team found some success as they reached the inaugural Celtic Cup final – beating Cardiff Blues
Cardiff Blues
Cardiff Blues are one of the four professional Welsh regional rugby union teams. Based in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, the team have played at Cardiff City Stadium since the start of the 2009/2010 season and are owned by Cardiff Rugby Football Club....
and Connacht
Connacht Rugby
Connacht Rugby is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Connacht that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 comprising teams from the Celtic nations plus Italy. Normally, it also competes in the second-tier pan-European club competition, the European Challenge Cup...
en route in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively. The team's good run came to an end in final, however, with 21–27 loss to Ulster
Ulster Rugby
Ulster Rugby, usually referred to simply as Ulster, is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Belfast, representing the Irish province of Ulster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 and also competes in the Heineken Cup...
at Murrayfield. David Humphreys kicked 17 points in the match to earn the Irish province the trophy
For the 2005/2006 season, Edinburgh found themselves looking for a new coach following the departure of Frank Hadden
Frank Hadden
Frank Hadden is a Scottish rugby union coach. He is a former head coach of Scotland and Edinburgh Rugby.Hadden replaced Matt Williams and was appointed on 15 September 2005. Hadden coached the Merchiston Castle School 1st XV after being appointed Head of Physical Education at the school in 1983...
to coach Scotland
Scotland national rugby union team
The Scotland national rugby union team represent Scotland in international rugby union. Rugby union in Scotland is administered by the Scottish Rugby Union. The Scotland rugby union team is currently ranked eighth in the IRB World Rankings as of 19 September 2011...
. Sean Lineen
Sean Lineen
Sean Lineen is a Scottish rugby player, originally from New Zealand. He has been awarded the freedom of the city of Edinburgh.-Early life:Lineen was born on December 25, 1961, in Auckland. He is the son of rugby player Terry Lineen....
, then Glasgow Warriors assistant coach, was linked with the post before Todd Blackadder
Todd Blackadder
Todd Julian Blackadder is a former professional New Zealand rugby union player and professional rugby coach. He served as Director of Rugby for the Tasman Rugby Union before being appointed to succeed Robbie Deans as coach of Super 14 team the Crusaders...
acquired the position for the season after a spell as interim coach. During the same season the team nickname was incorporated into the official name, making them the Edinburgh Gunners. The term Gunners was dropped on 29 September 2006, after the club had become Scottish rugby's first private franchise during the summer, and the team reverted back to being known as just Edinburgh Rugby. One of the reasons for this reversion being that the word Gunners was already a registered Trademark of Arsenal Football Club
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
. Another being that the new owners wanted to rebrand the team in order to help provide a fresh new look, and to further aid this a new club logo was also introduced.
Private Ownership: 2006–2007
Scotland's first private franchise: 2006
In 2006, it was announced that from the end of the 2005/6 season, Edinburgh would become a franchise. Finance was to come from a private company headed by businessmen Alex and Bob Carruthers. This was thought to be a saving grace for Border ReiversBorder Reivers (Rugby)
Border Reivers, originally known as 'Scottish Borders Rugby' and also known as 'The Borders' were one of four professional rugby union teams in Scotland, alongside Edinburgh, Caledonia Reds and Glasgow Warriors....
. The team were thought to be favourites to be scrapped after the Scottish Rugby Union
Scottish Rugby Union
The Scottish Rugby Union is the governing body of rugby union in Scotland. It is the second oldest Rugby Union, having been founded in 1873, as the Scottish Football Union.-History:...
had warned that funding problems could force it to scrap one of its Celtic League sides. The SRU were to retain a seat on the new company board and continue to provide funding and support to the new owners in development. Following the departure of Todd Blackadder to join the Crusaders coaching setup in the Super 14
Super 14
Super Rugby is the largest and pre-eminent professional Rugby union competition in the Southern Hemisphere...
, Lynn Howells
Lynn Howells
Lynn Howells is a former rugby union player – most notably with Pontypridd RFC – but better known as a rugby union coach.Howells was born in the Rhondda Valleys.-Coaching career:...
was appointed as head coach by new executive chairman Alex Carruthers.
Funding dispute & return to SRU: 2007
In July 2007, a dispute arose between the Scottish Rugby Union and the owners of the newly-franchised Edinburgh team. According to owner Bob Carruthers the SRU owed Edinburgh a six-figure sum which had not been paid. Carruthers also claimed that SRU had threatened to pull the plug on funding should Edinburgh continue with legal action relating to the sum. In the midst of the dispute Alex Carruthers resigned along with then Managing Director Graeme Stirling. The dispute caused much disruption in Scottish rugby at the time, leading to the temporary withdrawal of 12 players from the Scotland squad training for the 2007 Rugby World Cup2007 Rugby World Cup
The 2007 Rugby World Cup was the sixth Rugby World Cup, a quadrennial international rugby union competition inaugurated in 1987. Twenty nations competed for the Webb Ellis Cup in the tournament, which was hosted by France from 7 September to 20 October. France won the hosting rights in 2003,...
. This included leading players such as Chris Paterson
Chris Paterson
Chris Paterson is a Scotland internationalist who plays for RaboDirect Pro12 side Edinburgh Rugby. He is Scotland’s record cap and points holder with 109 caps and 809 points. Paterson is capable in a range of positions, including fullback, wing and fly-half. In recent years Paterson has played...
and Mike Blair
Mike Blair
Michael Robert Leighton Blair is a Scottish rugby union footballer.He plays professional rugby union as scrum-half for Edinburgh Rugby and represents Scotland.He attended the Edinburgh Academy....
The dispute escalated when on 9 July 2007 Edinburgh revoked their associate membership of the SRU. This led to doubts over whether Edinburgh could fulfill fixtures in the Celtic League and Heineken Cup and whether Edinburgh players were insured for playing at club level. The resignation was withdrawn on 12 July, with Bob Carruthers asking to "talk directly to someone" and insisting the proposed signing of Australia
Australia national rugby union team
The Australian national rugby union team is the representative side of Australia in rugby union. The national team is nicknamed the Wallabies and competes annually with New Zealand and South Africa in the Tri-Nations Series, in which they also contest the Bledisloe Cup with New Zealand and the...
stand-off Stephen Larkham
Stephen Larkham
Stephen Larkham is an Australian rugby union footballer currently playing for the Ricoh Black Rams in Japan. He is best known for his career with the Brumbies in Super Rugby, for whom he played from the inception of the professional Super 12 in 1996 through 2007, and his long tenure with the...
would go ahead.
Despite this, the dispute continued, with both sides initiating legal action against the other. The situation was resolved in August 2007 with the termination of the franchise agreement and the return of Edinburgh to the direct control of the SRU.
Under Andy Robinson: 2007 to 2009
British and Irish Lions
The British and Irish Lions is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
captain Gavin Hastings
Gavin Hastings
Andrew Gavin Hastings, OBE is a former Scotland rugby union player. He is frequently considered one of the best, if not the best, rugby player to come out of Scotland. His nickname is "Big Gav".Hastings was born in Edinburgh...
was subsequently appointed Chairman stating his "desire and passion to see this game and this club grow". The proposed signing of Stephen Larkham fell through after the SRU were unable to honour the terms of the agreement. This was viewed as a disappointment at the time as the signing was considered a coup for the beleaguered SRU when the signing was initially announced.
Following an application process it was announced on 1 October 2007 that Andy Robinson
Andy Robinson
Richard Andrew 'Andy' Robinson OBE is an English rugby union coach and retired player. He is currently the head coach of Scotland.Robinson played as an openside flanker for Bath, England and the British and Irish Lions...
, the former England
England national rugby union team
The England national rugby union team represents England in rugby union. They compete in the annual Six Nations Championship with France, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and Wales. They have won this championship on 26 occasions, 12 times winning the Grand Slam, making them the most successful team in...
head coach, would become the club's new head coach. Edinburgh showed progress under Robinson, performing well at home in the Heineken Cup posting wins against Leinster
Leinster
Leinster is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the east of Ireland. It comprises the ancient Kingdoms of Mide, Osraige and Leinster. Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the historic fifths of Leinster and Mide gradually merged, mainly due to the impact of the Pale, which straddled...
and Leicester Tigers
Leicester Tigers
Leicester Tigers is an English rugby union club that plays in the Aviva Premiership.Leicester are the most successful English club since the introduction of league rugby in 1987, a record 9 times English champions - 3 more than either Bath or Wasps, the last of which was in 2010...
and a narrow loss to Toulouse
Stade Toulousain
Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. Toulouse is one of the finest rugby clubs in Europe, having won the Heineken Cup four times – in 1996, 2003, 2005 and 2010. They were also runners-up in 2004 and 2008 against London Wasps...
, earning a bonus point. Following disappointing performances by Scotland in the 6 Nations, and Robinson co-coaching Scotland A, there were rumours of Robinson taking a post within the Scotland set-up after helping Edinburgh to climb to 3rd in the Celtic League.
This progress, however, was counter-pointed by some disappointing results including being shutout by Cardiff Blues
Cardiff Blues
Cardiff Blues are one of the four professional Welsh regional rugby union teams. Based in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, the team have played at Cardiff City Stadium since the start of the 2009/2010 season and are owned by Cardiff Rugby Football Club....
at Murrayfield and losing the 1872 Challenge Cup on aggregate to rivals Glasgow Warriors.
On 26 December 2008 the a new home record attendance of 12,534 was set against Glasgow Warriors. In the 2008/2009 season Edinburgh reached their highest position finishing in second place behind Munster
Munster Rugby
Munster Rugby is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Munster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 and Heineken Cup.The team represents the Irish Rugby Football Union Munster Branch which is one of four primary branches of the IRFU, and is responsible for rugby union in the Irish...
.
Andy Robinson left in 2009 to take up the position of head coach of the Scottish national side. Rob Moffat took over at Edinburgh. Michael Bradley is the new manager for 2011/12.
Squad 2011/2012
Hookers  Ross FordRoss Ford Ross William Ford is a professional rugby union player who plays as hooker for both Edinburgh and Scotland. He signed for Edinburgh after starting his professional career with the Border Reivers, but after the Reivers disbandment in the summer of 2007, Ford was left without a club... Andrew KellyAndrew Kelly (rugby union) Andy Kelly is a Scottish rugby union player who plays for Edinburgh Rugby in the RaboDirect Pro12.-Background:Kelly has also represented Scotland also under-18, under-19, and under-21 and Edinburgh district at under-16, under-18, and under-19... Steven LawrieSteven Lawrie Steven Lawrie is a Scottish rugby union player who plays for Edinburgh Rugby in the RaboDirect Pro12.-Background:Steve played for Scotland at A, under-19 and under-21 levels as well as appearing in the national sevens squad, making his debut in the 2008 IRB Twickenham tournament and going on to... Props Jack GildingJack Gilding Jack Gilding is a rugby union player for Edinburgh in the RaboDirect Pro12.He hails from Plymouth and attended St Boniface's Catholic College, but qualifies to play for the Scotland national rugby union team through his Scottish Grandmother.He plays as a tighthead prop. He previously played for... Geoff CrossGeoff Cross Geoff Cross is a Scottish rugby union player. A prop forward, he currently plays for Edinburgh.Cross was selected for the Scotland squad for the 2009 Six Nations Championship. Sadly his debut match against Wales ended prematurely when he was sin-binned for a tackle in the air on full-back Lee... Allan JacobsenAllan Jacobsen Allan Jacobsen is a Scottish rugby union footballer. He is a prop, nicknamed "Chunk". He plays for Edinburgh.... Lewis NivenLewis Niven Lewis Niven is a Scottish rugby union player who plays for Edinburgh Rugby in the RaboDirect Pro12.-Background:He made his first start against Cardiff Blues at Murrayfield in the Heineken Cup in January 2011, and his first Magners League start on the visit to Scarlets the following month.The prop,... Kyle TraynorKyle Traynor Kyle Traynor is a Scottish rugby union player who plays at prop for Edinburgh and Scotland.-Biography:Traynor was born in Farnborough, London to Glaswegian parents and was educated at The John Fisher School... Locks  Sean Cox Esteban LozadaEsteban Lozada Esteban Lozada is an Argentine rugby union player who currently plays for Scottish team Edinburgh Rugby. He also plays for the Argentina national team and was part of the 2007 Rugby World Cup squad. He debuted with "Los Pumas" on November 11, 2006... Steven TurnbullSteven Turnbull (rugby union) Steven Turnbull is a Scottish rugby union player who plays for Edinburgh Rugby in the RaboDirect Pro12.-Background:Steven Turnbull joined Edinburgh as a full-time professional during the summer of 2008 after graduating from the National Academy... |
Loose Forwards David DentonDavid Denton (rugby union) David Denton is a Scottish rugby union player who plays for Edinburgh Rugby in the RaboDirect Pro12. He plays primarily at flanker, but is also able to operate at lock.-Background:... Roddy GrantRoddy Grant (rugby union) Roderick 'Roddy' Robert Grant is a rugby union player with Edinburgh and Scotland sevens. During the 2008–09 IRB Sevens World Series, Grant took over as captain from the injured Scott Forrest and went on to captain Edinburgh at the start of the 2010–2011 Magners League campaign.-Early life:Grant... Alan MacDonaldAlan MacDonald (rugby union) Alan Robin MacDonald is a Scottish rugby union player. MacDonald, who is a flanker, plays club rugby for Edinburgh. He made his debut for Scotland against Argentina on 28 November 2009.-Biography:... Stuart McInallyStuart McInally Stuart McInally is a Scottish rugby union player who plays for Edinburgh Rugby in the RaboDirect Pro12. He plays primarily at number eight, but is also able to operate at flanker.-Background:... Ross RennieRoss Rennie Ross Rennie is a rugby union player for Edinburgh Rugby in the RaboDirect Pro12. He attended the Edinburgh Academy, and his position of choice is as a Flanker....  Netani TaleiNetani Talei Netani Edward Talei is a Fijian rugby union player. He currently plays for Edinburgh in the RaboDirect Pro12. He plays as a number eight or flanker.-Career:... Half Backs Mike BlairMike Blair Michael Robert Leighton Blair is a Scottish rugby union footballer.He plays professional rugby union as scrum-half for Edinburgh Rugby and represents Scotland.He attended the Edinburgh Academy.... Phil GodmanPhil Godman Phil Godman, nicknamed "Mad Phil" was born May 20, 1982 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Educated at Merchiston Castle School where he captained the rugby union side to victory in the Scottish Schools Cup. He signed a professional contract with Newcastle Falcons after leaving Merchiston... Greig LaidlawGreig Laidlaw Greig Laidlaw is a Scottish professional rugby scrum-half and out half, currently with Edinburgh Rugby. Laidlaw also plays for Scotland... (C) Chris LeckChris Leck Chris Leck is a rugby union player for Edinburgh Rugby in the Celtic League. He plays as a scrum-half.-External links:*... |
Centres Ben CairnsBen Cairns Ben Cairns is an English-born Scotland rugby union player for Edinburgh Rugby in the RaboDirect Pro12.Cairns' position of choice is as a Centre and he can also operate at Full-back and on the Wing. He won his First Cap for Scotland inRosario against Argentina and then won his Second in Buenos... Nick De LucaNick De Luca Nick De Luca is a Scottish internationalist professional rugby union player. He currently plays club rugby for Edinburgh Rugby in the RaboDirect Pro12.-Club rugby:... John HoustonJohn Houston (rugby union) John Houston is a Scottish professional rugby Centre or Wing, currently with Edinburgh Rugby. Houston also plays for Scotland's national rugby sevens team.... James KingJames King (rugby union) James King is a Scottish rugby union player who plays for Edinburgh Rugby in the RaboDirect Pro12.-Background:He has also represented Scotland at under-18, under-19 and under-21 level and was educated at Berwick High School... Back Three Tom BrownTom Brown (rugby union) Tom Brown is a Scottish rugby union player who plays for Edinburgh Rugby in the RaboDirect Pro12. He plays primarily at full-back, but is also able to play on the wing.-Background:... Lee JonesLee Jones (rugby union) Lee Jones is a Scottish rugby union player who plays for Edinburgh Rugby in the RaboDirect Pro12. He plays primarily at wing, but is equally at home at scrum-half.-Background:... Chris PatersonChris Paterson Chris Paterson is a Scotland internationalist who plays for RaboDirect Pro12 side Edinburgh Rugby. He is Scotland’s record cap and points holder with 109 caps and 809 points. Paterson is capable in a range of positions, including fullback, wing and fly-half. In recent years Paterson has played... Jim ThompsonJim Thompson (rugby union) Jim Thompson is a Scottish rugby union player. He currently plays at Fullback and Centre for Edinburgh Rugby who compete in the Celtic League and Heineken Cup.... Simon Webster Sep VisserSep Visser Sep Visser is a Dutch rugby union player currently playing on the wing for Boroughmuir RFC and Edinburgh Rugby.-Early career:He joined the Newcastle Falcons Academy as a teenager, following his brother Tim Visser... Tim VisserTim Visser Tim Visser is a Dutch rugby union player currently playing on the wing for Edinburgh Rugby in the RaboDirect Pro12 and the Heineken Cup. He is the first Dutch rugby player to play professionally.-Early career:... |
Elite Development Players
Forwards George Turner - Hooker Alun Walker - Hooker Robin Hislop - Prop Colin Phillips - Prop Grant GilchristGrant Gilchrist Grant Gilchrist is a Scottish rugby union player who plays for Edinburgh Rugby in the RaboDirect Pro12. He plays at lock.-Background:... - Lock |
Backs Alex Black - Scrum Half Gregor Hunter - Stand-off Harry Leonard - Stand-off/Centre Matt Scott - Stand-off/Centre Jamie Farndale - Wing Dougie FifeDougie Fife Dougie Fife is a Scottish rugby union player who plays for Edinburgh Rugby in the RaboDirect Pro12. His position is that of wing.-Background:... - Wing |
Sevens Players
Forwards Struan Dewar Hamish Watson |
Backs James Fleming Kerr Gossman Sam Hidalgo-ClyneSam Hidalgo-Clyne Samuel Hidalgo-Clyne is a Scottish rugby union player who is contracted to Edinburgh Rugby in the RaboDirect Pro12, as well as the Scotland 7s team... Mark Robertson Andrew TurnbullAndrew Turnbull (rugby player) Andrew Turnbull is a Scottish Rugby player.-Career:Turnbull was educated at George Watson's College. He has represented both Scotland and GB at Rugby Sevens, including the 2006 Commonwealth Games, and has scored more tries for Scotland in Sevens than any other player, including 19 in 2005... |
Players in
- Steven LawrieSteven LawrieSteven Lawrie is a Scottish rugby union player who plays for Edinburgh Rugby in the RaboDirect Pro12.-Background:Steve played for Scotland at A, under-19 and under-21 levels as well as appearing in the national sevens squad, making his debut in the 2008 IRB Twickenham tournament and going on to...
from Doncaster - Matthew Scott - Currie RFCCurrie RFCCurrie Rugby Football Club are an Edinburgh-based rugby union club in the Scottish Rugby Union, they currently play in Premiership Division One....
- Sean Cox - Sale SharksSale SharksSale Sharks are a professional rugby union club who play in England in the Aviva Premiership.The club is an offshoot of Sale FC, which is based at Heywood Road in Sale, Greater Manchester, but Sharks currently play in Stockport at Edgeley Park, ground sharing with Stockport County F.C.Part of the...
- Chris LeckChris LeckChris Leck is a rugby union player for Edinburgh Rugby in the Celtic League. He plays as a scrum-half.-External links:*...
- Sale SharksSale SharksSale Sharks are a professional rugby union club who play in England in the Aviva Premiership.The club is an offshoot of Sale FC, which is based at Heywood Road in Sale, Greater Manchester, but Sharks currently play in Stockport at Edgeley Park, ground sharing with Stockport County F.C.Part of the... - Alex Black - Leeds Carnegie
- Sep VisserSep VisserSep Visser is a Dutch rugby union player currently playing on the wing for Boroughmuir RFC and Edinburgh Rugby.-Early career:He joined the Newcastle Falcons Academy as a teenager, following his brother Tim Visser...
- Tynedale RFC (will have dual registration with Boroughmuir RFC)
Players out
- Fraser McKenzie - Sale SharksSale SharksSale Sharks are a professional rugby union club who play in England in the Aviva Premiership.The club is an offshoot of Sale FC, which is based at Heywood Road in Sale, Greater Manchester, but Sharks currently play in Stockport at Edgeley Park, ground sharing with Stockport County F.C.Part of the...
- Scott MacleodScott MacLeodScott MacLeod is a Scottish rugby union footballer. He currently plays as a lock for Edinburgh and the Scottish national team....
- Kobelco Steelers - David BlairDavid BlairDavid Blair may refer to:*David Blair , British director*David Blair , British ballet dancer*David Blair , Irish Australian journalist and encyclopaedist...
- Retired - Craig HamiltonCraig HamiltonCraig Peter Hamilton is a Scottish internationalist rugby union player. His position is lock and currently he plays at club level for Edinburgh Rugby.-Career:...
- TarbesTarbes Pyrénées RugbyTarbes Pyrénées Rugby is a French rugby union team that currently takes part in Pro D2, the second level of the country's professional league system.... - Mark RobertsonMark Robertson (rugby)Mark Robertson is an Edinburgh Rugby player who plays on the wing.His father Keith was capped 44 Times for Scotland....
- Scott NewlandsScott NewlandsScott Newlands is a Scottish professional rugby player, currently with Edinburgh Rugby. He comes from Kelso and has played rugby at amateur level for Kelso RFC and Heriot's Rugby Club. Newlands has also played for Scotland's national rugby sevens team, as well as for Scotland A in the Churchill...
- OyonnaxOyonnax RugbyUnion sportive Oyonnax Rugby is a French rugby union club from Oyonnax in the Ain département of the région Rhône-Alpes, currently competing in the second level of the French league system . They play at Stade Charles-Mathon... - David Young - Leeds Carnegie
Notable former players
Todd BlackadderTodd Blackadder
Todd Julian Blackadder is a former professional New Zealand rugby union player and professional rugby coach. He served as Director of Rugby for the Tasman Rugby Union before being appointed to succeed Robbie Deans as coach of Super 14 team the Crusaders...
Dave Hewett Rob Dewey
Rob Dewey
Rob Dewey is a Scottish rugby union player who was born on the 16th of October 1983 and currently plays for the Glasgow Warriors. Despite having only come onto the professional rugby scene in the 2005–2006 season, a lethal combination of pace and power gave him a name amongst the Scottish rugby...
Marcus di Rollo
Marcus di Rollo
Marcus Di Rollo is a retired Scottish rugby union footballer. He played as a centre for Toulouse, Edinburgh, and the Scottish national team....
Dougie Hall
Dougie Hall
Douglas William Hugh Hall is a Rugby Union Footballer playing at Hooker for the Glasgow Warriors and Scotland.Born in Dingwall he was educated at Glenalmond College in Perthshire and it was playing for them he was first scouted. He debuted for Scotland in the second-half defeat against Wales at the...
Nathan Hines
Nathan Hines
Nathan Hines is an Australian-born Scottish rugby player. He currently plays for ASM Clermont Auvergne...
Duncan Hodge
Duncan Hodge
Duncan Hodge was Duncan Hodge was Duncan Hodge was (born August 18, 1974 in Dumfries, Scotland, is a Scottish former internationalist rugby union player. He gained 26 full caps for Scotland.-Playing career:Hodge was born in Dumfries and educated at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh....
Brendan Laney
Brendan Laney
Brendan James Laney, is a former professional rugby union player who represented Scotland. Nicknamed "Chainsaw" for the way he cut through defences, he was also a good goal kicker. From Southland in New Zealand, he began his professional rugby career at full back for the Highlanders in the Super 12...
Francisco Leonelli
Francisco Leonelli
Francisco Leonelli is an Argentine rugby union footballer, currently playing for Saracens F.C. in the Guinness Premiership. He has represented the Argentina national team, having previously playing for the under-19s and under-21s Argentina sides...
Lucio Lopez Fleming Scott Murray Fergus Pringle Mike Pyke
Mike Pyke
Michael Anthony Patrick Pyke is a Canadian dual-code football player.He is best known in his homeland as a rugby union player, who played for Canada's national side and French Top 14 squad US Montauban.Pyke is currently a professional Australian rules footballer with the Sydney Swans.-Early...
Ander Monro
Ander Monro
Alexander Monro is a Canadian rugby union footballer. He previously played for the Edinburgh Gunners, Waterloo R.F.C. and Colorno Rugby Club in Italy. He currently plays club rugby for Castaway Wanderers and plays with the Ontario Blues in the Canadian Rugby Championship...
Simon Taylor
Simon Taylor (rugby player)
Simon Marcus Taylor is a Scottish professional rugby union footballer for Bath Rugby. He is a back-row forward, usually a number eight. He played for Edinburgh for six seasons between 2000 and 2006 and in 2007 agreed a three year deal with Stade Français joining them immediately after the 2007...
Craig Smith Hugo Southwell
Hugo Southwell
Hugo Finlay Grant Southwell is a Scottish rugby union footballer. He plays as a fullback, centre, wing or scrum half....
Ally Hogg
Coaches
Michael BradleyMichael Bradley
Michael or Mike Bradley may refer to:*Michael Bradley , Football player from USA*Michael Bradley , American basketball player...
2011- Nick Scrivener 2011 (interim) Rob Moffat
Rob Moffat
Rob Moffat is a Scottish rugby union coach. He was the assistant coach at Edinburgh under Andy Robinson before taking over as head coach in 2009 and has been involved in coaching Scotland A, Glasgow and the Borders...
2009-2011 Andy Robinson
Andy Robinson
Richard Andrew 'Andy' Robinson OBE is an English rugby union coach and retired player. He is currently the head coach of Scotland.Robinson played as an openside flanker for Bath, England and the British and Irish Lions...
2007–2009 Henry Edwards 2007 (interim) Lynn Howells
Lynn Howells
Lynn Howells is a former rugby union player – most notably with Pontypridd RFC – but better known as a rugby union coach.Howells was born in the Rhondda Valleys.-Coaching career:...
2006–2007 Todd Blackadder
Todd Blackadder
Todd Julian Blackadder is a former professional New Zealand rugby union player and professional rugby coach. He served as Director of Rugby for the Tasman Rugby Union before being appointed to succeed Robbie Deans as coach of Super 14 team the Crusaders...
2005–2006 Frank Hadden
Frank Hadden
Frank Hadden is a Scottish rugby union coach. He is a former head coach of Scotland and Edinburgh Rugby.Hadden replaced Matt Williams and was appointed on 15 September 2005. Hadden coached the Merchiston Castle School 1st XV after being appointed Head of Physical Education at the school in 1983...
2000–2005 Bob Easson 2000 Iain Rankin 1996–2000
Heineken Cup
| Season | Pos | Played | Won | Lost | Drawn | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996/1997 1996-97 Heineken Cup The 1996–97 Heineken Cup was the second edition of the Heineken Cup. Competing teams from France, Ireland, Italy, Wales and for the first time England and Scotland, were divided into four pools of five, in which teams played each other only once, meaning two home and two away games per team... | Pools | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | |
| 1998/1999 1998-99 Heineken Cup The 1998-1999 Heineken Cup was the fourth edition of the Heineken Cup. Competing teams from France, Ireland, Italy, Wales, and Scotland, were divided into four pools of four, in which teams played home and away matches against each other... | Pools | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | |
| 1999/2000 | Pools | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2000/2001 2000-01 Heineken Cup The 2000–01 Heineken Cup was the sixth edition of the Heineken Cup. Competing teams from France, Ireland, Italy, Wales, England and Scotland, were divided into six pools of four, in which teams played home and away matches against each other... | Pools | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| 2001/2002 2001-02 Heineken Cup The 2001–02 Heineken Cup was the seventh edition of the Heineken Cup. Competing teams from France, Ireland, Italy, Wales, England and Scotland, were divided into six pools of four, in which teams played home and away matches against each other. The pool winners and two best runners-up qualified for... | Pools | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | |
| 2002/2003 2002-03 Heineken Cup The 2002–03 Heineken Cup was the eighth edition of the Heineken Cup. Competing teams from France, Ireland, Italy, Wales, England and Scotland, were divided into six pools of four, in which teams played home and away matches against each other... | Pools | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2003/2004 2003-04 Heineken Cup The 2003-4 Heineken Cup was the ninth season for which European teams competed for the Heineken Cup. Competing teams, from England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales, were divided into six pools of four, in which teams played home and away matches against each other... | QFs | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2004/2005 2004-05 Heineken Cup The 2004-5 Heineken Cup was the tenth edition of the Heineken Cup. Competing teams, from England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales, were divided into six pools of four, in which teams played home and away matches against each other... | Pools | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2005/2006 2005-06 Heineken Cup The 2005–06 Heineken Cup was the eleventh edition of the European Heineken Cup rugby union club tournament. 24 teams from 7 different countries took part, with the opening game played on Friday October 21, 2005... | Pools | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2006/2007 2006-07 Heineken Cup The 2006–07 Heineken Cup was the 12th edition of the European Heineken Cup rugby union club tournament. The pool draw took place on 21 June at Twickenham. The pool stages started on 20 October and concluded in January, going for six rounds... | Pools | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2007/2008 2007-08 Heineken Cup The 2007–08 Heineken Cup was the 13th edition of the Heineken Cup, the annual rugby union European club competition for clubs from the top six nations in European rugby.The start of the tournament was delayed because of the 2007 Rugby World Cup... | Pools | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2008/2009 2008-09 Heineken Cup The 2008–09 Heineken Cup was the fourteenth edition of the Heineken Cup, the annual rugby union European club competition for clubs from the top six nations in European rugby. It started in October 2008 and ended on 23 May 2009 at Murrayfield in Edinburgh... | Pools | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2009/2010 | Pools | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2010/2011 | Pools | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
European Challenge Cup
| Season | Pos | Played | Won | Lost | Drawn | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997/1998 | Pools | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
Celtic League
| Season | Pos | Played | Won | Lost | Drawn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001–02 | Pools | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
| 2002–03 | QFs | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| 2003–04 | 10th | 22 | 9 | 13 | 0 |
| 2004–05 | 7th | 20 | 9 | 11 | 0 |
| 2005–06 | 5th | 20 | 11 | 9 | 0 |
| 2006–07 | 8th | 20 | 8 | 11 | 1 |
| 2007–08 | 4th | 18 | 9 | 6 | 3 |
| 2008–09 | 2nd | 18 | 11 | 7 | 0 |
| 2009–10 | 6th | 18 | 8 | 10 | 0 |
| 2010–11 | 8th | 22 | 8 | 13 | 0 |
Scottish League
| Season | Pos | Played | Won | Lost | Drawn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002–03 | 1st | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
Welsh/Scottish League
| Season | Pos | Played | Won | Lost | Drawn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999–2000 | 8th | 22 | 10 | 11 | 1 |
| 2000–01 | 8th | 22 | 11 | 11 | 0 |
| 2001–02 | 6th | 20 | 10 | 8 | 2 |
See also
- Scottish Rugby UnionScottish Rugby UnionThe Scottish Rugby Union is the governing body of rugby union in Scotland. It is the second oldest Rugby Union, having been founded in 1873, as the Scottish Football Union.-History:...
- Celtic LeagueCeltic League (rugby union)The Celtic League is an annual rugby union competition involving professional sides from Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales....
- Heineken CupHeineken CupThe Heineken Cup is one of two annual rugby union competitions organised by European Rugby Cup involving leading club, regional and provincial teams from the six International Rugby Board countries in Europe whose national teams compete in the Six Nations Championship: England, France, Ireland,...
- European Challenge CupEuropean Challenge CupThe European Challenge Cup, currently known for sponsorship reasons as the Amlin Challenge Cup, is one of two annual rugby union competitions organised by European Rugby Cup. The cup was known as the Parker Pen Shield from 2001 to 2003 and Parker Pen Challenge Cup from 2003 to 2005. The European...
- Glasgow WarriorsGlasgow WarriorsThe Glasgow Warriors, formerly Glasgow Rugby, are one of two professional rugby union teams in Scotland, Edinburgh being the other. They play in the RaboDirect Pro12 and their home ground is Firhill Stadium, also the home of Partick Thistle Football Club.-History:Glasgow Rugby were created to...
- Border ReiversBorder Reivers (Rugby)Border Reivers, originally known as 'Scottish Borders Rugby' and also known as 'The Borders' were one of four professional rugby union teams in Scotland, alongside Edinburgh, Caledonia Reds and Glasgow Warriors....