Edinburgh coach defends stars' absence in Dublin

Published on Friday 23 January 2009 08:59

EDINBURGH Rugby coach Andy Robinson has defended a decision to leave out top stars ahead of Sunday's concluding Heineken European Cup clash with Leinster in Dublin.

Fans travelling across the Irish Sea will not be able to see favourites Mike Blair, Ross Ford and Ben Cairns because they are being rested from the SRU-controlled Edinburgh team a fortnight before being expected to figure in Scotland's opening RBS Six Nations clash with Wales.

Others, including Hugo Southwell, Phil Godman and Allan Jacobsen, are said to be carrying slight injuries although might well have turned out had the stakes been higher (Edinburgh cannot qualify from their pool), it has been acknowledged.

Robinson said: "Every player we select is representing Edinburgh. You have got to look at the balance, that the players are right to play each week. My focus is on the welfare of every single player that plays."

At the same time, Robinson admitted: "I can't deny there are discussions (with the Scotland management].

"You have to look at the bigger picture ... what is right for the players."

Returning to the issue of whether fans were being short-changed, Robinson said: "I would like to think supporters support Edinburgh and go to see Edinburgh. No way are we trying to demean the Edinburgh shirt."