Scotland head coach, Andy Robinson, today named seven Edinburgh Rugby players in the Scotland squad to compete in the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
Mike Blair (scrum-half), Geoff Cross (prop), Nick De Luca (centre), Ross Ford (hooker), Alan Jacobsen (prop), Chris Paterson (full-back) and Ross Rennie (back-row), all featured for Scotland in the back-to-back EMC Test victories over Ireland (10-6) and Italy (23-12) – with Cross and De Luca picking up man of the match awards in each game.
Edinburgh Rugby chief executive, Craig Docherty, was delighted with the representation from the capital club.
He said: “Edinburgh Rugby has a proud record of being well represented in the Scotland squad and I’m thrilled that these players continue that tradition with selection for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
“Naturally these players will be a huge loss to our squad however I believe our recent 28-22 victory over Sale Sharks in Stockport on Friday is testimony to the strength of our squad and to our ambitions in the 2011/12 RaboDirect PRO12 and Heineken Cup season.
“I wish every player the best of luck in New Zealand and look forward to welcoming them back to Murrayfield as stronger, more experienced players, ready to represent Edinburgh Rugby.”
Announcing the players from the striking setting of the National Museum of Scotland, Scotland head coach, Andy Robinson praised the Edinburgh Rugby contingent: “This will be Mike Blair’s third Rugby World Cup. He has captained his country from scrum-half and won British Lions honours on their 2009 tour to South Africa. Skilful and sparky we look for big things from Mike in New Zealand.
“Geoff [Cross] is a qualified doctor of medicine who will experience a World Cup for the first time. He is a hard-working, scrummaging prop who we’ll also look to make a major contribution in open play.
“Nick De Luca is fearless and prepared to mix it with the powerhouses who inhabit international rugby midfields. He is also a creative fellow, as witness his Man of the Match at the weekend, and he fully deserves his selection as a Rugby World Cup first timer.
“Ross Ford, a British Lion in 2009, is one of the most dedicated professional rugby players I have had the privilege of working with. He scored a try on his World Cup debut four years ago and as our frontline hooker we look for him to assert his authority in New Zealand.
“What hasn’t already been said about full-back/stand-off Chris Paterson? Scotland’s cap and points’ record-holder will be going to an unprecedented fourth Rugby World Cup. He is a model professional, and the ultimate ambassador for the game.“
