Steve Lawrie proud Capital event will have international field

EDINBURGH Rugby star Steve Lawrie has spoken of his pride at helping attract an international entry for the Capital’s third ten-a-side tournament at Raeburn Place on Saturday week.

Teams from France and Sweden will join local hopefuls in the Hunter Residential sponsored event and A international hooker Lawrie says: “When I was approached by a friend, Jonny Jenkins, to get involved it struck me that with the sevens moving to Glasgow this would be Edinburgh’s biggest rugby related event outside 15-a-sides.”

Lawrie, who will help coach Heriot’s next season, added: “I’ve seen ten-a-sides prove popular in places like Helsinki and Berlin so why not a rugby city like Edinburgh? We have added an eight team touch tournament into the format and club internationalists such as John Cox, Richard Snedden and Sean Crombie are among those playing in the main event.”

On his coaching move, Lawrie, recovering from knee damage, said: “I’ve played for Currie, Watsonians and Boroughmuir as well as one appearance on the Stew/Mel bench so I know the Edinburgh club scene and with a PE degree to call on I welcome the opportunity at Heriot’s to get more involved in coaching.”

• Utility back Jim Thompson has joined London Scottish and will line up with ex-Edinburgh colleague Phil Godman next season.