Rugby: Fife keen to strike note for Currie

And for winger Dougie Fife, the stakes will be especially high after graduating to the Scotland Sevens team for the opening two rounds of the international grand prix circuit at the end of last year. Fife was part of the squad who competed in South Africa and Dubai, where they won the Bowl event, and will have fingers crossed that he can retain his place for next month's leg of the circuit in Wellington when Scotland are drawn in a preliminary pool with hosts New Zealand.

"The Sevens squad have got back together again this week and for me it is another chance to experience top quality training," said the Firrhill High School reared prospect, adding: "Much will depend on what professionals are released whether I'm on the plane for New Zealand but, regardless, there is a lot to look forward to in the next few weeks, rugby-wise.

"Having represented Scotland at age-group level right up to under-20s and including a World Cup, I'm now too old for that type of rugby so sevens is an ideal progression.

"Alternatively I'd love to become involved for the first time with the Scottish clubs' international team who face a couple of matches soon.

"Whatever happens there are no shortage of targets and I count myself fortunate to have played in every one of Currie's games up until the opening B & I Cup game when sevens commitments meant missing the trip to Cornish Pirates."

There is also the slight matter of Currie attempting to defend their premiership title and that, too, can be a platform for Fife who hopes to graduate in sports science this year and wouldn't rule out attempting to gain a pro contract. First up, though, is Aberdeen and if the fixture gets the go-ahead it will bring relief to the champions whose alternative training schedule has included hill runs up Arthur's Seat.

EDINBURGH Rugby have climbed two places and leapfrogged Glasgow into 24th place in the latest European rugby rankings, as a consequence of this week's inter-city win at Murrayfield.