Fitness race for Edinburgh's De Luca

TEST centre Nick De Luca is facing a fitness battle to help Edinburgh Rugby achieve their goal of a place in the Magners League play-offs.

It was revealed after last night's 24-20 win over Llanelli Scarlets that De Luca is facing a hospital consultation on an injured groin.

"Nick has a problem with his groin and is seeing a specialist on Monday," said coach Rob Moffat who is, however, optimistic about welcoming back his 48-cap breakaway forward Ally Hogg from a hip muscle injury before the play-offs are due to commence.

"Ally is back in training and only two or three weeks away from returning," added Moffat of a player absent since December and who was initially thought to be out for the duration of the season.