Edinburgh coach Sean Everett has backed midfielder Matt Currie to win his first full cap for Scotland on their summer tour of North and South America after an impressive season for the club.
Currie, 23, has been a standout player for the capital side, starting 19 of their 22 games including the last 14 dating back to November, and making five tries.
As a 21-year-old, he was taken on Scotland's final summer tour in 2022 and started an 'A' international against Chile alongside Sione Topoluto before being one of a group of players to return home ahead of the Test series against Argentina.
But with Scotland coach Gregor Townsend expected to rest some senior players for an exploratory trip that includes tests against Canada, the United States, Chile and Uruguay in July, Currie is preparing for his first international cap after a strong campaign in which he rotated between inside and outside position, as well as two recent outings covering the wing.
“Matt Currie is definitely ready to pull on the Scottish jersey,” Everett announced. “When he got the chance he showed incredible maturity, and played out of position as well. Wherever he played, whether it was 12, 13 or on the wing, he was really good for us and very consistent in his performances.
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“I think it's down to all the hard work he puts into his game. The better prepared you are and the more individual work you put in, the better you'll perform on Saturday, and he's really an example of hard work paying off.”
He added: “So it would be great to see him get a chance, if he gets one, because he deserves it with the season he had.”
Currie has established partnerships in midfield with Scotland internationals Mark Bennett and James Lang, but Everett's rapid progress recently has suggested the youngster has been “always first in the team sheet” and a potential long-term partner for incoming new recruit Moses Tuipulotu. season.
Currie may have to continue his stint on the wing this week despite URC's crucial clash with Munster which could determine whether Edinburgh secure a place in the play-offs.
Argentine star Emiliano Bovelli is still suffering from a back problem that forced him to miss last Friday's win over Zebre, after he returned to action the previous week against Cardiff after missing five matches.
“It's an everyday thing to see how he reacts,” Everett reported. “It's not an injury we can deal with, it's frustrating for him because he's not sure how the nerve in his back will react.
“It won't be harmful if he plays, it's just a question of whether he can get through training sessions all week and get on the field on Friday.”
A bonus points win over the defending champions, who have won their last seven URC games including four away, would secure a top-eight finish but anything less would likely leave Edinburgh needing points from a perilous trip into the Champions League. Final day to fellow Benetton competitors.
