Rugby: Tait tips Paterson to gain more honours

Published on Tuesday 15 December 2009 08:37

RUGBY legend Chris Paterson today stands on the threshold of yet another milestone as Edinburgh prepare to entertain Bath in Saturday's vital Heineken European Cup tie at Murrayfield.

By being named in the starting line-up tomorrow Paterson would be guaranteed a 50th tournament appearance for Edinburgh to add to seven also made for Gloucester during a brief sojourn in English club rugby. And according to one ex-player who was there to see Paterson step on to the European stage there could be plenty more to come from the 31-year-old.

Alan Tait, who was substituted to allow Paterson a Euro debut in the 56th minute of a 23-18 win over Grenoble at Galashiels in November 1999, said: "I got to know Chris's abilities best when I moved on from playing to become Scotland defence coach but my insight into his abilities started long before that.

"I was asked through the then Gala coach, Gary Callander, if I could offer any advice that could help the teenage Chris bulk up a bit. As a kid coming on to the scene he had all the skills and pace in abundance and as for the physical aspect he has used that to improve his defence, the one real thing that needed worked on at the beginning of a career I have followed with admiration."