ACADEMY FLANKER SET TO MAKE EDINBURGH DEBUT

National Academy flanker Roddy Grant has been handed Edinburgh's number seven shirt for the visit of Ulster on Friday evening (9 January, kick off 7.45pm) in a new-look back-row.

With Ross Rennie (knee ligament damage) and Alan MacDonald (head knock) both ruled out for the match, 21-year-old Grant has been picked alongside blindside Simon Cross and No8 Allister Hogg.

Botswana-born Grant, who won the Macphail Scholarship in May, recently captained the Scotland sevens squad in Dubai and George.

Now the back rower, who made his Magners League debut with the Borders in January 2007, says he is thrilled to be given an opportunity with Edinburgh.

Grant said: "I'm absolutely delighted to get the chance and I'm looking forward to it.

"Playing in the Magners League is one of my goals and I will be determined to give it everything I've got."

He is joined in the pack by club captain Simon Cross, who admits he is pleased to be making his first start of the season.

Cross said: "I'm delighted to be back playing again and grateful for the opportunity.

"We are looking to bounce back after the disappointing result at Glasgow last week."

Andrew Turnbull takes over the number 14 jersey in the absence of injured winger Mark Robertson (groin) while Nick De Luca is replaced by John Houston at inside centre.

In the front five, Matt Mustchin (ankle) is ruled out and replaced by Craig Hamilton in one of five changes to the starting line-up that lost at Glasgow last Friday.

Chris Paterson is still unavailable for selection because of a rib injury and he is joined in the treatment room by David Callam (hip), Ryan Grant (groin), and Steven Turnbull (ankle).

Edinburgh Rugby Club