Edinburgh and Glasgow hit by injury setbacks

EDINBURGH and Glasgow have been hit by elbow injuries, with Ben Toolis and Peter Murchie facing months on the sidelines.

Ben Toolis. Picture: SNS

Edinburgh lock Toolis will miss the start of his club’s European Challenge Cup campaign after undergoing surgery.

The Brisbane-born 23-year-old, who has one cap for Scotland and was drafted in as injury cover to Vern Cotter’s World Cup training squad over the summer, sustained the injury in the latter stages of the win in Treviso two weeks ago.

An Edinburgh spokesperson said: “Ben has now been discharged from hospital and will continue his recovery under the care of the Edinburgh Rugby medical team.”

Following an injury sustained against Connacht on 11 September, Murchie, named captain of the Guinness Pro12 champions for the World Cup period, had an MRI scan and subsequent consultation which confirmed that he also required surgery on his elbow. A Glasgow spokesperson said: “His surgery was a success and Peter will be unavailable for around three to fourth months.” The club added that Rory Hughes, Mike Blair and Pat MacArthur have all resumed training after picking up minor injuries.

Meanwhile, in the BT Premiership today, Boroughmuir, after their victory over Melrose last weekend, are looking to kick on against Selkirk, writes Gary Heatly.

Given the way Melrose had started the season, many expected them to record a home win seven days ago, but Boroughmuir had other ideas and they are now fifth with two victories from three matches.

Head coach Bruce Aitchison has not made many changes to his starting XV, Sam Gibson replacing Finn Field in the second row while back-row Craig Keddie is on the bench after performing well for the second XV. For Selkirk, captain Ross Nixon returns in the centre, while prop Cata Graur is on the bench after suspension.

Heriot’s went top last weekend and today travel to Glasgow Hawks. John Semple and Max Learmonth are added to the Heriot’s backline.

After their good win away at Gala, Ayr take on Stirling County at Millbrae. With Grant Anderson suspended, captain Ross Curle moves back to full-back for the home side, while Rob McAlpine returns in the second-row. Billy Dineen comes into the front row for ninth- placed County.