Rugby: Cairns and Co boost Muir for Gala clash

The eight-times capped Cairns is working his way back from a hamstring strain  suffered after his first pro  appearance in 16 months against Racing Metro in December.

It will be Cairns’ first outing in Muir colours and, in lining up on the wing, he is joined in the squad by Capital colleagues  Harry Leonard (full back) and Robin Hislop (replacement prop).

Last time round in the Premiership, Muir’s match was one of only two to beat the elements in the top flight when they drew at Currie and, added to a cup  victory at Haddington, coach Fergus Pringle is hopeful these run-outs will prove useful as they bid to move off the bottom.

“This activity should stand us in good stead,” said Pringle, who also welcomes back hooker Mike Brown after a Christmas trip home to Australia.

Second-placed Gala enjoyed a Boxing Day win over Melrose and welcome back prop Luke Pettie and centre Chris Auld.

Edinburgh Accies play  Heriot’s for the third time this season, with the hosts  having won the reciprocal league  fixture and the visitors coming out on top in the cup.

Accies include Edinburgh pros Alex Black, Lewis Niven, Alex  Allan and Hamish Watson for the match at Raeburn Place. Coach Simon Cross said: “(Hooker) Fraser Rawlinson has earned his first start after impressing at training and in the seconds.”

Returning for Heriot’s are second row CJ Osazuwa and centre Cammy Ferguson, along with Edinburgh winger Mike Penn.

Heriot’s coach Phil Smith said: “With the forecast of slightly better conditions than when we won at Currie in the cup last week, we’ll try to be a bit more expansive.”

Currie await Dundee with a side that features recalls for Simeon James, Fraser Watts, Mark Cairns, Andrew Binikos plus Edinburgh trio Chris Leck, Gregor Hunter and John  Houston.

In the National League,  Watsonians await Hillhead/ Jordanhill with Tom Hart, Chris Scott and Rory Steele all returning.