Scotland stars return as Edinburgh face Bulls test

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 17: Edinburgh's Duhan van der Merwe scores his side's first try during a BKT United Rugby Championship match between Edinburgh Rugby and Benetton at the Hive Stadium, on October 17, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group)

In a massive lift for Sean Everitt’s side, the Scotland international trio of Duhan van der Merwe, Pierre Schoeman and D’arcy Rae have all been passed fit to start after recovering from their respective injuries.

Their return coincides with a huge week for the club’s emerging talent, meaning Friday’s match selection offers a blend of international experience and the next generation of Scottish rugby.

International reinforcements

The inclusion of van der Merwe sees the winger rejoin a back-three that features Scotland’s two leading all-time male try-scorers.

Up front, the pack is significantly bolstered by the return of British & Irish Lion Schoeman and tighthead Rae, both of whom will be vital to matching the physicality of a powerful Bulls side.

Furthermore, club captain Magnus Bradbury returns to the number 8 jersey as Edinburgh aim to protect an unbeaten home record this season.

From Guinness Six Nations call-ups to Hive Stadium

It has been a landmark week for young back-rowers Freddy Douglas and Liam McConnell.

After being named in the Scotland squad for the Guinness Six Nations for the first time earlier this week, the duo have been handed starting berths for Friday’s clash.

Supporters will have the chance to get a look at Scotland’s young international call-ups in action before they head into the national camp, spearheading an Edinburgh back-row that combines youthfulness with the experience of Bradbury.

“A massive lift.”

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Sean Everitt commented on the selections:

“It’s fantastic to welcome back such an experienced cohort of players. Having the likes of Duhan, Pierre and D’arcy back from injury gives the squad a massive lift.

“We are proud of our unbeaten run at Hive Stadium. Our fans have been incredible all year, and it’s vital they get behind us from the first whistle this Friday night to help us get the result this team is working so hard for.”

Get behind Edinburgh Rugby!

With a perfect home record on the line and a squad packed with international talent, your support is more important than ever.

Be there to roar on the returning Scotland stars and celebrate our newest Six Nations call-ups as they take on one of the toughest tests in the URC.

GET VODACOM BULLS TICKETS HERE!

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Vodacom Bulls at Hive Stadium in the BKT United Rugby Championship (Club appearances in brakcets):

Friday 23 January (kick-off 7.45pm) – live on Premier Sports

15. Harry Paterson (22)
14. Darcy Graham (91)
13. Wes Goosen (66)
12. James Lang (85)
11. Duhan van der Merwe (110)

10. Ross Thompson (34)
9. Ben Vellacott (86)

1. Pierre Schoeman (144)
2. Ewan Ashman (47)
3. D’arcy Rae (31)
4. Glen Young (59)
5. Grant Gilchrist (227)
6. Liam McConnell (16)
7. Freddy Douglas (16)
8. Magnus Bradbury (144)

Replacements

16. Harri Morris (13)
17. Boan Venter (97)
18. Paul Hill (26)
19. Callum Hunter-Hill (28)
20. Ben Muncaster (52)
21. Charlie Shiel (84)
22. Cammy Scott (26)
23. Piers O’Conor (11)

Unavailable: Charlie McCaig (knee), Rhys Litterick (achilles), Rob Carmichael (wrist), Mosese Tuipulotu (knee), Tom Currie (knee), Luke Crosbie (hamstring), Sam Skinner (hamstring), Paddy Harrison (back), Marshall Sykes (arm), Findlay Thomson (hand), Dylan Richardson (ribs), Conor McAlpine (hamstring), Matt Currie (hamstring).