Edinburgh flanker Ross Rennie received the royal seal of approval as he helped HRH Prince Philip hand out certificates to youngsters who have achieved Gold Awards in this year’s Duke of Edinburgh programme.

The 24-year-old Scotland cap was invited to the Palace of Holyroodhouse to meet and congratulate pupils from Fettes College who have attained the most prestigious level in the scheme. He spent time with the Prince before presenting the certificates and posing for photos with a legion of new young fans.

Rennie said: “The event was really enjoyable. It was a pleasure to hear about so many young people having done so many positive things. The youngsters have clearly worked extremely hard to achieve what they have, and it was nice to be able to recognise their effort. I had a brief chat with the Duke, and he wished Edinburgh all the best for the new season.”

After leaving the Palace, Rennie was straight back to Murrayfield for a weights session as the players’ pre-season programme increases in intensity. He confirmed that the more experienced members of the Edinburgh squad are feeling the heat from the host of new faces who have arrived for the new season. Something of a ‘bolter’ himself when he first burst onto the professional scene in 2006, the one-time Stewart’s Melville FP openside is convinced the club's new intake of youngsters have what it takes to put pressure on the senior players.

“I got a lucky shot at it when I first came in, and did enough to stay in the team. I can definitely see some of the younger guys that we have here now doing the same thing. It will be really interesting to see how the season unfolds, both in terms of selection and the competitions themselves. The boys are all excited about playing the new Italian sides in the Magners League, and, looking at the Heineken Cup, we think ours is a pool we’re capable of doing well in.”

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