Alex Blair invited for trial at Edinburgh

The 22-year-old playmaker was contracted by the club after representing Scotland A in the 2010 IRB Nations Cup, but was released the following year after sustaining a back injury. He began his return last year with Edinburgh Accies and on the Borders Sevens circuit before making a full comeback this summer for Southern Districts in Australia’s Shute Shield competition.

Blair has been offered the chance to train at Murrayfield on a part-time basis alongside his Sports Science studies at Edinburgh College, having performed admirably for Edinburgh Accies in the RBS Premiership.

The younger brother of former Edinburgh players Mike and David, Alex has always been a very quick and skilful performer. His return to the capital is timely as it helps to fill gaps left by injuries to stand-offs Gregor Hunter and Piers Francis, and the versatile Greig Laidlaw.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh announced last night that 26-year-old Argentine centre Joaquin Dominguez has joined on a two-week trial from San Isidiro in Buenos Aires. After passing a medical assessment, he began training yesterday.