Rugby: Thomson hopes to make one final call for Heriot's

Graham Thomson is bound for a new life in Australia but only after the talismanic centre has done his best to end Ayr's Scottish Hydro Premiership title reign in a match which takes place – ironically – at champions-elect Currie's pitch since Heriot's posts are down.

In making what will be a seasonal return after being sidelined for a year with shoulder damage Thomson has cut it fine in that this will be Heriot's last outing.

That has been a spur to Scottish clubs' international centre Thomson, though. "I enjoyed playing Ayr last season because although we didn't win I managed to score tries against them both home and away," he said.

A qualified doctor who is shortly to take up a position on the Gold Coast, he added: "Getting a final game under my belt has been a target and I was due to return last time against Glasgow Hawks when I injured a hamstring in training immediately beforehand.

"Heriot's have been good to me and I particularly enjoyed sharing in last season's Cup Final win over Melrose which was my last outing – apart from a 20-minute stint for our seconds against Edinburgh Accies a few weeks ago.

"Winning the Cup was undoubtedly a highlight of my time with Heriot's."

That success came at a cost, though, as Thomson recalled: "In the final frantic few minutes (Graham Wilson kicked a last-gasp penalty to win) I damaged my shoulder but, caught up in the maelstrom, it didn't feel as though I had to come off.

"When it came to the current pre-season training, though, I realised wasn't making progress and an MRI scan was followed by surgery which meant six months' absence.

"During that time I've been itching to play and missing out on the British and Irish Cup ties was hard. Hopefully I can play a part in helping Heriot's qualify for the next tournament subject to a fitness test on my hamstring."