Edinburgh coach Scott pays tribute as Ford motors towards century

EDINBURGH RUGBY hooker Ross Ford will make his 100th appearance for the club when he and his team-mates take on Zebre in a RaboDirect PRO12 match in Parma tonight.

And Ford’s appearance landmark will see him edge past the number made by interim Edinburgh Rugby head coach, Stevie Scott, during his tenure as hooker from 1998 to 2002.

Scott paid tribute to Ford’s contribution in a black and red shirt, saying: “Ross [Ford] has been an exceptional servant to Edinburgh and Scottish Rugby, keeping himself in immense mental and physical 
condition throughout a very distinguished career to date.

“He’s a fantastic character and role model to young players and shows the relentless dedication you would expect from someone who has won 69 caps, captained his country and toured with the British Lions.”

Edinburgh have made one change to the side that defeated Ulster last week, with Perry Parker replacing Grant 
Gilchrist, who is unavailable due to a family bereavement.

Edinburgh team to face Zebre (tonight, 6pm, Stadio XXV Aprile): Tonks; Jones, Scott, Atiga, Visser; Francis, Laidlaw (c); Jacobsen, Ford, Nel, Parker, Cox, McInally, Rennie, Talei. Substitutes: Lawrie, Yapp, Cross, McAlpine, Watson, Kennedy, Leonard, Brown