Rugby: Clubs welcome pro players

Boroughmuir RFC president George Clark has welcomed the presence of professional players in the club ranks as an added attraction in a season that promises to be every bit as competitive as last term’s epic battle for the silverware.

With the top flight trimmed to ten teams, defending champions Melrose face a stern test if they are to retain their title against teams that will be bolstered by the availability of individuals contracted to the country’s two RaboDirect Pro 12 outfits. And, in his capacity as Premier Division representative on the Scottish Rugby Council, Clark is pleased to see them involved at club level. “It’s great to have the professional players aligned to the RBS Premiership,” he said.

As the lowest rated of the top flight sides based on last season’s final standings, Edinburgh Accies, benefited from having the first selection of the Edinburgh players.

Allocation of Edinburgh players: Edinburgh Accies: Alex Black, Lewis Niven, Greig Tonks, Dimitri Basalaia, David Denton, Greig Laidlaw and Ross Rennie. Heriot’s: Perry Parker, Michael Penn, Steven Lawrie, Michael Maltman, Andy Titterell, Struan Dewar and Geoff Cross. Boroughmuir: Harry Leonard, Sep Visser, Ben Cairns, Ben Atiga, W P Nel, Tim Visser and Russell Weir. Currie: John Houston, Steven Turnbull, Isak Van Der Westhuizen, Andrew Turnbull, Chris Leck, Matt Scott and Richie Rees. Gala: James King, Stuart McInally, Tom Brown, Mark Robertson, Allan Jacobsen, Nick De Luca and Ross Ford. Melrose: Alun Walker, Roddy Grant, Lee Jones, Sean Cox, Netani Talei and John Yapp.