Rugby: Watsonians go cosmopolitan for new season

And the 21-times capped Di Rollo, 33, has also revealed plans to pull on the boots and turn out himself.

Those preparing to debut for 'Sonians include Edu Hanekom, an ex-Rotherham back-row who has also represented Boland at provincial level in his native South Africa. Provided a hamstring twinge clears up, he could play at the Lasswade 15-a-side tournament which kicks off the campaign at Hawthornden on Saturday week.

"Edu's girlfriend has moved to Edinburgh which is how he has made a connection and his experience - he's 30 years old - will be vital as we lacked a bit of grunt in the forwards last season," says Di Rollo, who also expects big things from an imminent arrival in Mauricio Horacio Espasa, from South America.

"Horacio stands 1.92m and weighs 120kg so there will be a physical presence in our pack especially when Paul Tuala, who has represented Samoa A in the Pacific Nations Cup as well as Australian club Northern Suburbs, arrives.

"Horacio plans to be here for a couple of years and has made it clear he is really keen to progress his rugby."

From nearer home, Clark Smith (ex-Dunfermline) has been making a big impression at training, while Callum Harvey has joined from Glasgow Hawks.

Other signings include ex-Musselburgh scrum-half Brian Walls, who previously had a stint with Heriot's.

And although former pro Jamie Blackwood has joined Lasswade with under-20 cap Jamie Forbes switching to Currie, where he will maintain a link with Premiership Division One, Di Rollo believes Watsonians will benefit from a "fresh start."

"On the coaching side, Stuart Reid (ex Scotland) is taking charge of the forwards and has gained tremendous respect from the players while Kevin Wright, from Napier University, has been supervising weight training where the benefits have been particularly felt by our young prop, Chris Scott.

"Also, Simon Ebett, who worked with the Scottish Touch team, has brought video analysis skills on board."