Scotland stars included in Edinburgh’s 1872 Cup lineup

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 07: Edinburgh's Pierre Schoeman (L) celebrates scoring a try with teammates during an Investec Champions Cup match between Edinburgh Rugby and RC Toulon at the Hive Stadium, on December 07, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group)

A number of Scotland internationals return to the starting XV, with wingers Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe headlining eight changes for the historic derby. Both bring proven international quality back into the domestic arena as preparations continue across the Scottish game.

They are joined by fellow Scotland forwards Pierre Schoeman, Grant Gilchrist, Dylan Richardson, and Magnus Bradbury, all of whom were rested last weekend and now return to action. Their inclusion adds significant experience and leadership to the contest, with Bradbury captaining the side.

Hooker Ewan Ashman also starts after making an impact from the bench in last weekend’s Investec Champions Cup fixture away to Castres, continuing a run of strong involvement for players in the national picture.

Up front, 19-year-old tighthead Ollie Blyth-Lafferty reaches a significant milestone with his 1872 Cup debut, packing down with Ashman and Schoeman in the front row. Scotland stalwart Grant Gilchrist, now a double centurion for his club in the second row.

The back row is completed by blindside Liam McConnell, returning international Dylan Richardson, and captain Magnus Bradbury, giving Scotland coaches another opportunity to assess depth and combinations in a high-pressure environment.

While the 1872 Cup remains rugby’s oldest inter-city rivalry, the fixtures also play a key role in the wider Scottish Rugby landscape, offering high-intensity competition and valuable minutes for international players as Edinburgh chase vital BKT United Rugby Championship points. The return leg will be played at Scottish Gas Murrayfield next weekend (Saturday 27 December, kick-off 3pm).