Jim Hamilton admits he is excited at the prospect of playing his first competitive match since late February for club side Watsonians at Ayr on Saturday (kick off 3pm).

The last time the giant lock played was for the national team against Ireland at Croke Park during the RBS 6 Nations where he was stretchered off with a dislocated ankle.

After that set-back the 25-year-old underwent surgery to solve a long-standing shoulder problem in May which has delayed the start to his Edinburgh career.

But after some intensive rehabilitation work, Hamilton is now ready to return to competitive rugby, albeit in the maroon and white of ‘Sonians at Millbrae.

Hamilton said: “It doesn’t matter where I play. It is all the same to me; I just enjoy playing rugby.

“The circumstances are different compared to the last game I played in, but I’m trying to get myself fit and it should be a worthwhile experience.

“I’ve heard Ayr is a tough place to play and I’m looking forward to the challenge. Watsonians are a good club and very well organised – I trained with them on Thursday night and I was impressed with the set-up.”

Meanwhile, hooker Sean Crombie, who won the Scottish Hydro Electric Premier One title with Boroughmuir last season, is set to make his debut for Selkirk against Melrose while Marc Teague and Jim Thompson will feature for Heriot’s at Stirling County.

Ryan Grant is still waiting to hear whether or not he will be fit to feature in County’s front row for the fixture.

Remember Edinburgh Rugby Club actively supports and promotes all the rugby clubs in and around the east of Scotland.

So if you are not planning to watch the Black and Red Army in Dublin tonight why not get your fix of live rugby action by watching your local club?