Rugby: With ‘fantastic memories’ galore, Burton bids a farewell to his time at Malleny Park

Former Scotland Under-20 back row Steve Burton bid farewell to the Malleny Park outfit after Saturday’s 10-10 draw with Edinburgh Accies, but will continue his career with Sutton and Epsom.

Burton, who was part of the league triumphs in 2007 and 2010, said: “I’ll take with me some fantastic memories not just of winning the league twice but turning out for Currie in a challenge match against Japan and competing in the B&I Cup, which is what every club player is aspiring to do nowadays.

“Also, representing Scotland under-20s in a Six Nations as well as a World Cup in Wales alongside the likes of Richie Gray and Ruaridh Jackson who has gone on to gain full caps is something I’ll always value.”

Burton started off at Penicuik and moved to Dalkeith, where, under the guidance of coaches Jim Sleight and Bob Montgomery, he made a league debut at 17. Word travels fast around the Edinburgh scene and when Currie called, Burton couldn’t resist challenging himself at the top club level in a move that was to yield age-group caps.“I think Currie are well set to improve on last season when we never really recovered from losing our first three games,” he added.

Being slow out of the blocks eventually saw Currie finish fifth – one place off a B&I Cup place. “There are good lads coming out of Currie, including Dougie Fife who is now part of the Edinburgh set-up, and  others will follow.

“Watch out, too, for Simeon James, the New Zealander who scored our try from centre against Accies as he is going to be very useful in the Premiership with his strong running and good handling ability.

“I expect Currie to be back in the B&I Cup places and it is not impossible I could be part of it if injuries strike.

“Purely as an emergency I am dual registered so as to be able to help out, but I see my future with Sutton and Epsom as they are based near to where I will be working.”