Rugby: Trio of new faces will lift Heriot’s

From Bordeaux, where he was previously attached to the professional side’s academy set-up, has come prop forward Nathan Bordell, while full back Robert Alexander has moved to the Capital after completing  university studies in England.

Finally, Harry Boisseau, ex-Stewart’s Melville, has made the short journey down Ferry Road in order to test himself in the new, highly intense,  ten-team premiership.

Coach Phil Smith, who has returned to Heriot’s following a lengthy stint at Boroughmuir, is delighted with the acquisitions,

“What is pleasing is that in the usual fashion feelers were put out around the Edinburgh club scene by eventual recruits and Heriot’s emerged as an attractive place to play,” said Smith, adding: “The arrivals will also help balance the loss of centre Max Learmonth who is on trial at Rotherham where he is expected to land a one-year deal, (Scotland Under-20) second row Matt Reid, who has moved to Aberdeen, and (clubs’ international prop) Alan  Dymock who is now in London.”

By the time Heriot’s kick off their competitive campaign at Gala in just over a fortnight they will have undertaken practice games with Melrose, Dunfermline, Howe of Fife and Watsonians.

Additionally, member Jamie Mackinnon arranged for the squad to spend a day at Penicuik Barracks where they were put through a series of tests.

Smith says: “We took a squad of 25 players to Melrose last weekend and everybody  received about 40 minutes game-time.

“At Penicuik Barracks I took a rugby session in the morning and that was followed by a series of team-building exercises done in groups.

“These included players having to transport material across a ravine without being able to talk to each other and negotiating a way over a dummy minefield.

“Afterwards it was clear the players were broken by their exertions but at the same time they were well satisfied with what they’d taken from the  activities.”

Meanwhle, Heriot’s have agreed a link with Edinburgh University Medics rugby club which will see students benefit from coaching and turn out at Goldenacere when available.