Rugby: Di Rollo ready to put faith in new signing Ursache

And, even before he has taken the reins in a counting fixture for the first time since replacing Bruce Aitchison, it is clear ex-Scotland star Di Rollo's experience of playing at the highest level is proving useful.

The centre's move from Edinburgh to Toulouse might have been ill-starred due to an impasse arising from conflicting medical opinion over a cardiac issue he has carried since birth, but it has - at the very least - provided additional contacts around the rugby world which are helping as he prepares to launch a coaching career.

"I had a friend at Toulouse who knows the Italian scene where Sergiu was playing with Venice," said Di Rollo.

"As a back five player he offers flexibility and, together with club president Dave Harris, it was decided we would only go for players who come recommended. Sergiu fits the bill and will come into contention for Saturday's game. There isn't a lot of money to spend on players and what we have we must spend wisely. Too often in the past Watsonians have maybe placed too much emphasis on the word of an agent."

Further endorsement of Ursache was likely to stem from the fact that he was part of the Romanian squad which hosted this summer's Nations Cup also featuring Scotland A.

The 21-year-old found his initial time in Edinburgh frustrating, though, as Di Rollo explained, saying: "I felt for Sergiu when he suffered a foot problem soon after arriving.

"He had to have a toe x-rayed and the injury meant missing our first couple of pre-season games against Kelso and Edinburgh Accies. Fortunately he was cleared to play against Aberdeen Grammar FPs on Saturday and I was impressed by what he did. Sergiu is a good athlete who is built in the same dimensions as Jason White although it remains to be seen how close he goes to performing as well as Jason has done."

As for Ursache's European rugby pedigree, he was part of a Venezia Mestre club who have been performing well in the Italian top flight having won the Serie A title in 2005 and 2007.

Meanwhile, 'Sonians ran in 12 tries when beating the Dons 78-7 and on top of other comprehensive wins it is only to be expected that Di Rollo is entertaining high hopes for the season ahead.

"At times in the past we have maybe not taken all our try-scoring opportunities but with 28 in three games that hasn't been a problem so far," he explained, adding: "Encouragingly we have also been able to involve a lot of our younger players and we look forward to including them alongside our draft picks." The draft system is new compared to when Di Rollo was at Toulouse and he insists it is a welcome development. "I know how important it is for young players especially to be playing every week and getting the fringe pros involved is part of that."

The draft is also aimed at enhancing the performance element of the premiership which has gained in kudos following the decision to include the top three teams alongside the best club sides from around the British Isles in a new cup competition.