Scottish Rugby

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Edinburgh have signed Scottish-qualified centre Kienan Higgins on a two-month contract.

Higgins joins from New Zealand National Provincial Championship side Hawke's Bay.

With midfield trio Matt Currie, Mosese Tuipulotu and Charlie McCaig currently nursing injuries, the 25-year-old will provide cover and competition until March, when he is due to move to Major League Rugby in the United States.

Higgins, whose older brother Riley plays for Hurricanes in Super Rugby, said: "I am really excited to be joining Edinburgh.

"Having Scottish heritage, this is a proud moment for me and my family, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to test myself in a new environment.

"The northern hemisphere game offers a different set of challenges, and I've always wanted to try my hand at the style of rugby played in the URC and Europe.

"My goal is to hit the ground running, learn as much as I can from the quality players here, and add real value to the squad during my time in the city. I can't wait to get started."

Sandy Smith
Fan writer

There was a sense of frustration allied to relief in the stands at the end of Edinburgh's win over Gloucester.

I felt it myself, but when reviewing the match, there was so much more to be happy about than was apparent in the immediate aftermath.

The headline is the five points.

Dig into the guts of it and there are more positives. Edinburgh bossed almost every statistic that is recorded. Possession and territory were a given, but everything from metres ran to number of rucks won were dominated by the home side.

The attack is still a fairly blunt weapon and we huffed and puffed almost every time we had the ball.

Three of our four tries, including the penalty try, were down to forward power, but it does feel that there may be some green shoots even if they are a bit stunted by having a gardener who gained his experience in an allotment as opposed to at The Botanic Gardens.

Ben Vellacott's try was a cracker, but although there was some good support involved, it started with his evasive skills and the finish a result of smart thinking.

Defensively, though, we are getting the job done. Helped in no small part by Freddy Douglas and his turnover statistics. Like last week, he was a deserved man of the match, but Liam McConnell couldn't have been too far away from that accolade.

I was concerned in the last five minutes or so by the number of times we kicked the ball away and I could hear many of my fellow supporters shouting that we should be going through the phases, but in hindsight it might just be that the team trusted their defence more than their ability to keep possession for that long.

That defence is going to be tested to the extreme this week by a Bath side that have scored an average of five tries per game over their last five matches. However, despite those numbers, they have lost two of those games and in three of them they have conceded four or more tries.

A bonus point this week could make a huge difference to who we face and in what competition.

I'm resigned to the thought that a home tie is the stuff of fairytales.

Who knows, some more huffing and puffing and we might be able to blow the roof off. Oh, wait!

Sandy Smith can be found at The Burgh Watch, external

Grant Young
Fan writer

Ever since the shocking defeat to Scarlets, Glasgow haven't looked back. Six straight wins have followed.

The incredible two victories against Edinburgh at Christmas plus impressive wins in the Champions Cup show Glasgow are one of the premier teams in European rugby.

Against Sale and Toulouse we came from behind to triumph, but last weekend in France the Warriors took the lead against Clermont and never relinquished it.

It is a sign of growth within this team that even at 13 players (after Patrick Schickerling and George Horne in the same play were given a yellow card) they stayed composed.

There were noticeable highlights. The return of Huw Jones, the leadership of Kyle Steyn, the try-scoring, hard-hitting runs from Jack Dempsey, and a breakout game in Europe for Euan Ferrie.

A five-try run in a dominant 33-21 away win not only puts Glasgow top of the group but secures our place in the knockout stages. A big message could be sent on Sunday if Warriors knock off Saracens.

It is a massive opportunity to make this impressive European run even more memorable. Saracens travel north with world class-stars such as Maro Itoje, Owen Farrell and Ben Earl, but there is nothing to fear for Glasgow.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Freddy Douglas – turnover king

For the second game running Freddy Douglas was named player of the match and deservedly so.

The 20-year-old is an absolute menace at the breakdown. His ability to force turnovers and penalties is bordering on ridiculous.

We have long known he is a precocious talent and now he is starting to get the game-time he needs for Edinburgh.

He will have a tough time breaking into a stacked Scotland back-row for the Six Nations. I just wonder, though, given Scotland's crippling inability to slow down Ireland ball whenever those teams meet, if Gregor Townsend might just consider pitching Douglas in for the final match of the tournament in Dublin.

Dynamic Ashman leads the charge

One man who will certainly play a prominent role in the Six Nations is Ewan Ashman.

His ferocious carrying was a key factor in Edinburgh's second-half fightback. It's always been the strongest part of his game, but he has improved his set-piece work and is now a more rounded hooker.

Ashman had a very good autumn for Scotland and now is undoubtedly first choice for that number two jersey.

Battle of Britain brings the noise

It was great to see so many Gloucester fans make the trip north and it really made for a great atmosphere at Hive Stadium.

It was the same when Bath came up for last season's Challenge Cup semi-final and it always makes me yearn for more of these occasions.

The atmosphere in many URC games – particularly when South African and Italian teams come to town – is often lacking, with few fans making the journey.

The South African teams have certainly added quality to the competition, but for me the product as a whole has not improved.

A British and Irish league is not going to happen anytime soon, but personally I would love to see it.

Do you have any burning questions on Scottish rugby for our experts, Tom English and Andy Burke, after Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors recorded wins over Gloucester and Clermont respectively in the Champions Cup?

Especially as both face difficult next tests - Edinburgh visit Bath and Glasgow host Saracens.

Or maybe the implications for Glasgow and Scotland of Adam Hastings' pending move to Montpellier?

Send in your questions via this link and a selection of answers will be published on this page later in the week.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Jones back with a bang

Huw Jones made his first appearance since the Lions tour in the summer and looked every inch one of the top centres in the world.

An early break set the scene for what was to come, and every time he got the ball he looked like something was going to happen.

Jones had a hand in three of the four first-half tries for Glasgow, including scoring one himself, and his presence seemed to inspire his old buddy Sione Tuipulotu to find his best stuff too.

Scotland will need them both at the top of their game for the Six Nations, as Glasgow will if they are to go deep in this Champions Cup.

Destructive Demspey leads the charge

Jack Dempsey has spoken of his frustrations at missing so much of last season through injury and he seems determined to make up for lost time.

The big number eight's aggression epitomised his side's performance. He carried 14 times for 56 metres and gave his side crucial forward momentum.

That was especially important in those 10 minutes when Warriors were down to 13. Keeping hold of possession was critical and Dempsey was always a willing carrier.

Lancaster stakes his claim

With Adam Hastings set to depart Scotstoun in the summer, the big question is who will fill the 10 jersey next season. Dan Lancaster showed he is a viable option with his performance against Clermont.

There are still some rough edges to his game needing ironed out, but Lancaster showed he can get Glasgow's killer backline firing.

He looked at home in such a big game and he will hope for more time in the saddle between now and the end of the season to prove that Hastings' replacement is already in the building.

We asked for your views on Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors' Champions Cup wins.

Here's what some of you said:

Edinburgh 26-24 Gloucester

Stu: Made hard work against a Gloucester side that did nothing all game but for two soft tries. Freddy Douglas quickly becoming the most important player for Edinburgh and he's put the team on his back again with his turnovers.

Ethan: Freddy Douglas - what a performance, his turnovers either helped give Edinburgh the platform needed for a struggling attack or helped relieve a lot of pressure.

Speaking of penalties, Edinburgh are still conceding far too many as half of Gloucester's points came from the tee. A scrappy win and a second hard-fought win back-to-back but will need to fight very hard against Bath away to guarantee something from the Champions Cup.

David: The fact that Edinburgh won should not disguise the fact that they did not play well at all. The whole set up just seems to be chaotic.

Kenny: An excellent and hard fought win for Edinburgh. Too many penalties conceded, and too many unforced errors gave them an unnecessary hill to climb but all credit to the team for fighting their way back. The Rec will be a tricky venue next week!

Stuart: Very impressed by Liam McConnell and Douglas, definitely boys for the Scotland team in near future. Duhan van der Merwe might see himself sitting out the Six Nations though, not seen him play well for quite a few matches.

With all their injury woes, this was a good platform for Edinburgh and their other squad members gain experience and build consistency in the run up to the end of the season.

Clermont Auvergne 21-33 Glasgow Warriors

Ian: A great result, most of that team must start for Scotland in the Six Nations. Glasgow must go for the win next weekend and get top seed.

Stuart: Warriors were so good in the first half. Looked like the match was going away from Clermont, but credit to them, they made a match of it. A good day's work for Franco Smith and his team.

Dave: Really strong physical performance from Glasgow, which negated Clermont. Incisive in the first half scoring four really good tries. Ingenuity and rugby smarts was to the fore; professional performance.

Very unlucky to have two players sin-binned in the same sequence of play, but Glasgow played the 10 minutes beautifully, even though they gave up a try in the last minute, they frustrated Clermont. Super performance to go with the two previous European wins and the Edinburgh victories. So consistent.

Chris: Glasgow have failed to deliver once in this block. Scarlets game aside (when they played a young team), the progress made by the team cannot be under estimated or over enthused. Some of the young performances - Jamie Dobie, Gregor Hiddleston, Max Williamson, Gregor Brown, Seb Stephen, Dan Lancaster - are truly exceptional. As Smith says - expectation is the biggest challenge.

Warriors are clearly a brilliant team, on this path then we can realistically dream of future glory.

Scotty: Really professional performance from the Warriors and very impressed with the forwards at scrum time. It's high time Kyle Rowe starts getting recognition for his excellence under pressure and constant threat in attack!

David: Closer than it should have been only because of the second half triple whammy of penalty try and double sin bin. Awesome Glasgow, fully deserved their win. Excellent in all departments.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Glasgow Warriors captain Kyle Steyn says his side will relish the challenge presented by three-times European champions Saracens as they look to continue their stunning form in the Champions Cup.

Steyn scored two tries as Warriors recorded their third straight bonus-point victory in this season's competition to book their place in the knockout stages.

"We've just got a really good group that's been together for a number of years now and just really keen to play for each other," Steyn told Premier Sports.

"The atmosphere was unbelievable and just really enjoyed it."

Warriors raced into a 26-7 lead but had to survive a second-half fightback after Patrick Schickerling and George Horne were sent to the sin bin.

Steyn's second try settled the nerves as Franco Smith's side ultimately emerged 33-21 winners.

"We were obviously very nervous (in the second half) and you don't want that, but we had a clear plan of what we had to do if something like that (two yellow cards) happened.

"Really proud of our forwards the way they stepped up in that 10 minutes. 14 points we leaked in that 10 minutes but it was okay."

A win over Saracens at Scotstoun next Sunday would see Glasgow top Pool 1 and secure a home tie in the Round of 16.

"Saracens are a really good outfit, they thrive in their rugby in Europe," Steyn said.

"It will be a good challenge and looking forward to playing them in front of our fans."

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Franco Smith paid tribute to the efforts of his Glasgow Warriors players after they secured a crucial bonus-point Champions Cup win over Clermont in France.

In a stunning first-half performance, Glasgow scored four tries to race into a 26-7 halfway lead.

Warriors at one point were down to 13 players with two players in the sin bin as the home side came storming back, but Glasgow remained calm to secure a 33-21 victory and a place in the Round of 16.

Next Sunday they face Saracens with the chance to claim to spot in Pool 1 and a home tie in the next round.

"Obviously very proud of the boys, they worked really hard for it," Smith told Premier Sports.

"I always knew Clermont was going to come out in the second part of the game. They're a proud team and in front of this crowd it's always difficult.

"They did exactly what we thought. I thought we handled the yellow cards well, which allowed us to compete until the end.

"I think the physical application (pleased me most).

"The forwards obviously didn't get much reward from the maul. The defence close to the line was exceptional. But in general I must say a very good performance among us.

"Saracens are obviously a tough team, we know that.

"In preparation for this game we already knew what lies ahead next week. It's a Sunday game, we will make full use of this week's recovery to make sure we roll our product out.

"The important thing is to keep the expectation at bay."

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Wolfhounds maintained their perfect Celtic Challenge record as they put 50 points past Edinburgh at Hive Stadium.

The Irish outfit established a healthy half-time lead thanks to tries from Erin King, India Daley, Aoibheann Reilly, Stacey Flood and Niamh Marley.

Cieron Bell and Talei Tawake crossed in response for Edinburgh, but the hosts were unable to add to their score after the break as tries from Maggie Boylan and Aoife Corcoran took Wolfhounds to their half-century.

Edinburgh stay on five points after three matches, while Wolfhounds top the standings with 15.

Glasgow Warriors booked a spot in the last 16 of the Champions Cup with an outstanding bonus-point win at Clermont Auvergne.

Read the match report

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Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Ewan Ashman hopes Edinburgh have finally found the consistency they have been searching for this season after their Champions Cup victory over Gloucester.

The Scotland hooker was among the try-scorers as Sean Everitt's side came back from 13 points down to deliver a bonus-point win.

It keeps Edinburgh alive in the competition ahead of their final pool match away to Finn Russell's Bath on Friday night.

"It was probably not the prettiest match," Ashman told BBC Scotland.

"It was really attritional and they fronted up and showed that grit to get us over the line at the end.

"It's exactly what we wanted to do. It's pretty simple, we've got five points and that's what we needed to do so we can be happy, learn our lessons and move on to the next. We need to keep winning games and go away next week and do a job.

"It should be a cracker. A few familiar faces in that side, some pretty good ones as well.

"I'm excited to see those boys and I just know that we're going to step up. That's exactly what we need. We need to do a Hive-worthy performance away from home and that's what we're working on. That's what we'll do next week."

Edinburgh rallied from 13 points down at half-time to deliver a bonus-point win over Gloucester and keep their Investec Champions Cup hopes alive.

Read the match report

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Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt tells BBC Scotland: "A tough talk at half-time. It wasn't a lack of effort, but a lack of accuracy. There were a lot of errors, but we tightened it up.

"Proud of how the boys put it together in the second half. It would have just given me less grey hairs if they had done it in the first 40.

"It's difficult going in at 18-5 down if you haven't fired a shot, but we fired several of them. We played some good rugby, just didn't finish.

"Credit to Gloucester, they defended extremely well. Magnus [Bradbury] showed good leadership and we were much improved.

"Ewan Ashman is a great carrier for us and brings a lot of energy. A great guy to have in our group.

"It's a massive win for us. We did target 10 points in our home fixtures. The competition is tight this year, so we'll be looking at the other results this weekend and then go to the Rec next weekend."

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Huw Jones will make his first Glasgow Warriors appearance of the season away to Clermont-Auvergne in the Champions Cup on Saturday.

The Scotland centre has not played since the British & Irish Lions summer tour of Australia and will resume his midfield partnership with Sione Tuipulotu.

The Warriors are also boosted by the return of Kyle Rowe at full-back as they aim to retain top spot in Pool One, following wins over Sale and Toulouse.

George Horne comes in to start at scrum-half, with Jamie Dobie retaining his place on the left wing after a comfortable URC victory against Zebre.

Matt Fagerson and Jack Dempsey are restored to the back-row and Dan Lancaster takes over from injured fly-half Adam Hastings.

Alex Craig and Scott Cummings make up the second row, while Gregor Hiddleston and Zander Fagerson beef up the visitors' front row.

Jones, 31, underwent surgery on a long-standing Achilles injury after playing in all three Tests for the Lions.

Rowe, 27, has been out of action since November with a knee problem.

"We are pleased to welcome both Huw and Kyle back," said head coach Franco Smith.

"Both men have worked diligently throughout their recovery alongside our medical and strength and conditioning teams, and have put themselves in the best position possible ahead of their return.

"Clermont will pose a stern test, with a highly physical forward pack and the ability to cause teams problems from anywhere on the field.

"Their record at home is formidable and we know that we will need to be at our best to match their level."

Glasgow Warriors: Rowe, Steyn (capt), Jones, Tuipulotu, Dobie, Lancaster, Horne; Schickerling, Hiddleston, Z Fagerson, Craig, Cummings, Ferrie, M Fagerson, Dempsey.

Replacements: Stephen, Sutherland, Talakai, Williamson, Brown, Miller, McDowall, Afshar.