Rugby: Blair delight as Edinburgh get into Grove

Published on Tuesday 1 June 2010 09:44

EDINBURGH Rugby skipper Mike Blair has welcomed the addition of Test centre Alex Grove in looking to build a side for next season.

Grove, 22, has joined on a one-year loan deal from relegated Worcester Warriors and Blair says: "It is absolutely fantastic that Alex is joining.

"He will bring extra strength in depth to our centre positions.

"Alex is a talented young player and people sometimes forget just how young he is.

"The centres we have are experienced internationalists and Alex will add to that."

Scotland coach Andy Robinson admitted he was delighted when Grove chose to come north, saying: "Alex will fit in very well as he has played alongside a lot of the Edinburgh lads in the past."

Grove gets an early taster of his new environment tonight as one of seven Edinburgh players turning out for Scotland in a pre-tour match against a Japanese Select at Murrayfield.

At the end of this week, Scotland head off for a two-Test tour of Argentina and Mike Blair says this fixture is the ideal preparation.

"It's going to be a different kind of game almost in the pre-season mould but with a lot for us to work on.

"A lot of our guys haven't played for three weeks so it will be a fitness exercise as well as looking to keep the ball in play.

"Obviously, we want to win but, having only just come together, there is no point in bringing in (new) moves the day before the game."

With Chris Cusiter regarded as doubtful to tour because of a knee injury, coach Robinson will want to strike a balance between giving Blair game time and keeping the scrum half in cotton wool.

Blair insists he is eager to get involved at the end of a roller-coaster season which saw him return from a Lions tour then collect a couple of injury.

"It has been a frustrating season in many ways but I have enjoyed the last three weeks doing conditioning work and feel in pretty good shape," he said.

EDINBURGH have signed 27-year-old Fijian No.8 Netani Talei from Worcester.