Preview: Heriot’s Rugby v FOSROC Future XV

After a tough outing at Bridgehaugh against Stirling Wolves last weekend, the FOSROC Future XV will be looking to return to their competitive play they showcased in their first two rounds.

This Saturday, the young team will make the trip to Goldenacre to meet Heriot’s Rugby for the first time. The hosts, who placed second in the 2023 FOSROC Super Series Sprint and currently sit third on the table, will be determined to put out a solid performance after their 33-21 defeat to Ayrshire Bulls last weekend.

This round sees the return of a few more of the Scotland U20 players who participated in the World Rugby U20 Trophy in July. Ollie Minnis, who made his Scotland U20 debut during the competition and made appearances in all of the games, starts his first game in the FOSROC Future XV at tight-head prop. He is joined by Scotland U20 teammate and Edinburgh Rugby FOSROC Academy player Robbie Deans who is in place on the bench to bolster the forwards.

The team will also welcome Jack Craig and Jack Hocking, both of whom were part of the Team Scotland Rugby 7s team that won the gold medal at the 2023 Youth Commonwealth Games. The young players will start at the centre and fullback positions respectively.

Head Coach Scott Forrest said: “Last week was a tough experience for everyone involved but this young group of players have responded really well and taken a lot of learning that they will look to put into their performance on Saturday. As tough as last week was, the players have trained well this week and have worked hard to build on some key positives we took from the game.

“The task doesn’t get any easier as we go up against a quality Heriot’s team but everyone is looking forward to the next opportunity to go and perform at this level. Ultimately this is part of preparing these players to go on and play for Scotland U20 later in the season against high quality opposition like France and Ireland.”

The team