Rugby: Ross Rennie ready to make his mark

The 26-year-old flanker had just established himself at  national level, playing in eight consecutive Tests and picking up man-of-the-match honours, when he dislocated a shoulder in the opening autumn international against New Zealand.

If there was any silver lining for 20-times capped Ross, it was surely that the injury wasn’t connected to knee problems which had sidelined him for lengthy periods previously.

However, that didn’t prevent Rennie admitting: “It has been a very frustrating season and I’m just looking forward to getting back on the pitch playing again. I’ve been trying to manage little goals and see  improvements from day to month. The injury was not something I was used to and it was a case of making the shoulder strong and stable.”

Interim Edinburgh coach Stevie Scott hinted that a fit Rennie would have been a contender for the Lions, saying: “I’d put Ross in the category of potentially world class, someone who would add value to any team. I’m delighted he has come back to strengthen our back row. He’s been unlucky with injuries and if he had played Six  Nations who knows where he’d be going this summer.”

Scotland’s summer tour to South Africa looms but Rennie, who makes his 49th league start for Edinburgh tonight, said: “It would be super to try to get back in that fold but I’m just concentrating on this weekend.”