Rugby: Fifth position may yet guarantee B&I Cup place for Heriot's

The Evening News has learned that under plans being drawn up for the second year of a competition featuring the best club sides in these islands, plus Irish provincial reserve outfits, Scotland's representation could either be three or five teams.

The ultimate decision depends on the format finally agreed upon but one team guaranteed their place, assuming the highly popular event goes ahead, are Currie.

And for the new champions' 26-year-old prop, John Cox, that will help satisfy an increasingly hard quest to find new challenges.

Cox joined an elite group when his try brace helped Currie defeat Glasgow Hawks 55-21 on Saturday to lift the title and later said: "That's my second title with Currie to add to one gained with Boroughmuir a few years ago. I'm totally proud of myself including getting my season's try total to five."

Along the way Cox has also found time to gain Scotland caps in union (U-18, U-19 and U-21) and senior rugby league as well as undertake professional stints with Rotherham and Perigeux (France).

So, it speaks volumes for the spirit in the Currie camp that the forward, who is an Edinburgh mortgage adviser by trade, can't wait to get back into action.

"Maybe a week off would be good but then we have a game against the touring Japan A side to look forward to at Malleny Park late in the month as well as the British and Irish Cup.

"I just want to help the club keep building and believe with my best years lying ahead I still have much to achieve."