Scotland flanker Jamie Ritchie is isolating and out of Edinburgh's Pro14 opener

Openside follows Scottish Government Covid-19 protocols

Edinburgh's Jamie Ritchie. Picture: Ross Parker / SNS

Scotland flanker Jamie Ritchie has been ruled out of Edinburgh’s season-opener against Ospreys.

The openside is unavailable for selection after coming into contact with a family member who is currently self-isolating.

Edinburgh said the decision was taken to comply with the necessary Scottish Government Covid-19 isolation protocols and to protect the medical integrity of the wider squad.

Head coach Richard Cockerill, said: “Jamie misses out this week as he’s been in contact with a family member who is currently self-isolating due to a potential contact. He hasn’t tested positive, but we’re being extra cautious and following all the necessary Scottish Government Covid-19 protocols.”

Edinburgh host Ospreys at BT Murrayfield on Saturday night in their first match of the 2020-21 Guinness PRO14 season (kick-off 7.35pm).

A number of key players are injured and unavailable, and the team shows six changes to the side that lost to Bordeaux Bègles in last month’s Challenge Cup quarter-final.

In the absence of Ritchie, the reshuffled back-row comprises Nick Haining, Magnus Bradbury and Luke Crosbie. Viliame Mata is injured.

In the back-three, Blair Kinghorn and Duhan van der Merwe both miss out through injury and are replaced by Damien Hoyland and Jamie Farndale at fullback and wing respectively. Darcy Graham retains his place on the other wing.

At centre, Mark Bennett returns from injury to partner Chris Dean in midfield, while scrum-half Charlie Shiel and stand-off Jaco van der Walt continue at half-back.

Captain and hooker Stuart McInally packs down alongside props Pierre Schoeman and Simon Berghan in an unchanged front-row, while Scotland locks Grant Gilchrist and Ben Toolis continue in the second-row.

Edinburgh Rugby team (v Ospreys):

15. Damien Hoyland

14. Darcy Graham

13. Mark Bennett

12. Chris Dean

11. Jamie Farndale

10. Jaco van der Walt

9. Charlie Shiel

1. Pierre Schoeman

2. Stuart McInally (c)

3. Simon Berghan

4. Ben Toolis

5. Grant Gilchrist

6. Magnus Bradbury

7. Luke Crosbie

8. Nick Haining

Subs: 16. David Cherry, 17. Jamie Bhatti, 18. WP Nel, 19. Andrew Davidson, 20. Hamish Watson, 21. Dan Nutton, 22. Nathan Chamberlain, 23. George Taylor.

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