Our Watsonians Rugby Super Series squad has been confirmed with some familiar faces returning and some strong additions throughout the squad.
Watsonians Rugby have confirmed their Super Series Squad as they aim to defend the FOSROC Super Series Championship.
While many of the names will be familiar, with the core leadership remaining the same, there are some exciting new additions as well as some returning names who weren't present for the pre-summer Sprint competition.
Kawgga van Niekerk is one name that supporters will be familiar with as the 2nd Row/Back Row returns to the squad after playing in Italy during the Sprint. The forward will bring his experience back to a pack ravaged by injury during the Sprint.
Bobby Bratton, who joined up with the squad late during the Sprint Series, returns from the start and will be a great help after playing down in the English Championship over the past season.
As for new players, George Watsons College Scrum Half Connor McAlpine returns to rugby after a severe injury derailed the Scotland and Edinburgh U18s last 12 months.
Freddie Owlsey joins from Hong Kong Football Club, Matthew Reid from Selkirk, Alfie Scopes, a recent graduate of Loughborough University and Jake Kerr returns to Myreside from Bristol Bears.
Hooker Kerr played at Watsonians and George Watsons College, where he won three Scottish Schools Cups (U16's and U18's twice) before a professional career with Leicester Tigers and Bristol which led to the player collecting a Scotland cap in the 2019 Six Nations win over Italy.
Freddie Owlsey plays across the back three and has most recently played for Hong Kong Football Club, but previously plied his trade with Edinburgh and represented Scotland in the 2022 7s World Cup.
Second Row Alfie Scopes, who is Scottish qualified, recently represented the England Students squad that defeated France.
Matt Reid joined the team during the Sprint Series and worked hard to impress the coaches, which resulted in him getting a spot in the team for the 3rd place playoff and securing his place moving forward.
On the new additions, Director of Rugby Chris Hunter said, "Jake Kerr returns to where it all started having been a pupil at George Watsons and brings with him valuable experience and professionalism that will bolster our front row options."
"Freddie is well known for his pace and with his experience of playing for Edinburgh and Scotland 7s, we felt it was a great opportunity to bring him into the squad and offer us something different."
"While Matt trained well during the Sprint Series and was rewarded with a start in the 3rd place playoff match and didn't look out of place for a young lad. Matt is currently away in Kenya with the Scotland U20 squad, which was a great end to the season for him and he is one to watch this season."
The Super Series starts with a trip to Millbrae this Saturday (29th July) to take on Ayrshire Bulls before two Friday Night home games against Southern Knights (4th August) and Boruoghmuir Bears (11th August).
