Venter Hits 100

Springbok prop Boan Venter will make his 100th Edinburgh Rugby appearance, while centre Mosese Tuipulotu returns from injury, in tomorrow night’s BKT URC ‘Origin Round’ clash against Scarlets at Hive Stadium (Friday 27 February, kick-off 7.45pm) – live on Premier Sports.

Venter becomes Edinburgh Rugby’s 46th centurion and only the seventh prop to reach the milestone in club history, following in the footsteps of Allan Jacobsen, Craig Smith, Geoff Cross, Alasdair Dickinson, WP Nel and Pierre Schoeman.

The prop’s landmark appearance is bolstered by the return of Tuipulotu, who features for the first time since last May after recovering from a knee injury.

Edinburgh also welcome back Scotland internationals Dylan Richardson (rib) and Marshall Sykes (bicep) to the starting XV, while fellow Test duo D’arcy Rae and Magnus Bradbury are released from national camp to feature in the Friday night lights clash.

Tomorrow night’s encounter celebrates the URC ‘Origin Round,’ with Edinburgh players wearing their grassroots club socks in a league-wide tribute to the local teams that developed the current generation of professional stars.

Ahead of the match-up, Head Coach Sean Everitt said: “It’s a proud moment for Boan and his family. Reaching 100 appearances for this club is a massive achievement that speaks volumes about his character and his commitment to the jersey over the years.

“Having key players like Mosese [Tuipulotu], Dylan [Richardson] and Marshall [Sykes] back from injury provides a timely boost, and there is always a special energy when we return home.”

He added: “Tomorrow night’s ‘Origin Round’ adds another meaningful layer to the occasion. Seeing the players represent their home clubs by wearing their grassroots socks is a fantastic tribute to the communities that first shaped them as players.”

Harry Paterson continues at full-back, flanked by wingers Wes Goosen and Malelili Satala – the latter makes his first home appearance at Hive Stadium after crossing for his maiden try against Leinster last time out.

In the midfield, Tuipulotu’s return at inside-centre sees James Lang shift to outside-centre, while the half-back pairing of Ben Vellacott and Ross Thompson remains unchanged.

Hooker Harri Morris gets the nod up front alongside props Venter and Rae, while the returning Sykes partners Glen Young in the second-row.

An all-action back-row sees Richardson and Ben Muncaster paired with club captain Bradbury at number 8.

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Scarlets at Hive Stadium in the BKT United Rugby Championship Friday 27 February (kick-off 7.45pm) – live on Premier Sports

15. Harry Paterson | Edinburgh Accies (24)

14. Malelili Satala | Trentham RFC (2)

13. James Lang | London Irish Amateurs (87)

12. Mosese Tuipulotu | Greenock RFC (21)

11. Wes Goosen | Corstorphine Cougars (68)

10. Ross Thompson | Stewarts Melville RFC (36)

9. Ben Vellacott | Barnstaple RFC (88)

1. Boan Venter | Hoërskool De Aar (99)

2. Harri Morris | Melrose RFC (15)

3. D’arcy Rae | Marr RFC (32)

4. Marshall Sykes | Ayr RFC/ Woodbridge (89)

5. Glen Young | Jed-Forest RFC (61)

6. Ben Muncaster | North Berwick RFC (54)

7. Dylan Richardson | Kearnsey College (7)

8. Magnus Bradbury | Oban Lorne RFC (146) CAPTAIN

Replacements

16. Jerry Blyth-Lafferty | Boroughmuir RFC (2)

17. James Whitcombe | Woodhouse Grove School (4)

18. Ollie Blyth-Lafferty | Boroughmuir RFC (9)

19. Callum Hunter-Hill | North Berwick RFC (30)

20. Connor Boyle | Stewart’s Melville College/Watsonians (46)

21. Charlie Shiel | Royal High/ Currie Chieftains (86)

22. Cammy Scott | Boroughmuir RFC/ George Watsons College (28)

23. Piers O’Conor | Eastbourne College (12)

Unavailable: Charlie McCaig (knee), Rhys Litterick (achilles), Rob Carmichael (wrist), Luke Crosbie (hamstring), Sam Skinner (hamstring), Paddy Harrison (back), Conor McAlpine (hamstring), Matt Currie (hamstring), Liam McConnell (ribs), Paul Hill (shoulder), Pierre Schoeman, Ewan Ashman, Grant Gilchrist, Darcy Graham, Duhan van der Merwe, Freddy Douglas (all international selection).