Tim Visser vows to keep everyone happy

THE MOMENT Tim Visser has been dreaming of for years moved a step closer yesterday when the Edinburgh winger was named in his first Scotland squad. But he may have his work cut out to keep the soon-to-be Mrs Visser on side.

The 6ft 5in wing is due to marry long-time girlfriend Laura Davy on 7 July at a ceremony at her home in England. The Dutch-born player has enjoyed a stag weekend with many of his Edinburgh team-mates in Amsterdam, but Visser admitted that spending the next five weeks on his first Scotland tour, with his three-year residency period complete, has brought some ribbing from his fiancée.

Trying to say the right things, he explained: “Laura says I always get out of everything important by just playing rugby. Whenever we would be moving house I would have an away game so somebody else would have to help her with the removal.

“But this is definitely a good one. It will be hard as we have not been away from each other for that long before. I’m sure it will fly by for me but maybe not for her. She will keep herself busy with wedding chat maybe.”

Public opinion had Visser’s name already inked into the squad, the winger having this season taken his try haul to 43 in 74 appearances for Edinburgh since he arrived from Newcastle in 2009, and duly won the RaboDirect PRO12 Player of the Year, which is quite a feat for a player from a side finishing 11th in the table.

But Visser said: “I was not completely sure I was going to be selected, especially when I knew the squad was going to be trimmed down to 28. It was not as clear-cut as some seemed to think, but I am delighted and really happy. I spoke to Andy and he said I had had a great couple of seasons and this would give me the chance to take that form into international matches. So, now, I am going to try to establish myself as an international player and, if I can put consistent game time together, I am sure the tries will come.”

Visser is something of a rarity in not having played much international rugby, barring one tournament with England under-18s. He pays tribute to his father Marc, a 67-times capped Dutch internationalist, for encouraging him to find his way in the game, which has led to Scotland. And he is passionate now about the opportunity Scottish rugby has opened up.

“This is now my home as it has been for the last three years. I feel really at home here. It is a brilliant country and I love the people and I am very proud about representing them. I nearly perfected Flower of Scotland a couple of weeks ago through watching Scotland play but I will keep it until I represent them. I also have a morning suit for the wedding, but, if I get a few caps under my belt, I may wear a kilt.”