Rugby: Stakes high as Heriot's welcome rivals 'Muir

Two of Scottish rugby's best young prospects go head-to-head tomorrow as Heriot's look to complete a "slam" of all three Edinburgh rivals when entertaining Boroughmuir at Goldenacre.

More importantly both need a victory to ensure participation in the top eight after a split takes place next week to separate title contenders from the bottom four who then join up with a similar number from premiership division two.

Such stakes will hopefully add to the centre dual involving Boroughmuir's Harry Leonard and opposite number Max Learmonth of Heriot's whose creativity and pace are such that he has scored a try in seven of his side's last eight matches!

Anglo Leonard, a year younger and a strong contender for a place in this season's Scottish under-20 squad, is the new face on the block having moved north this season from Sussex where his all round skills are such that he represented his county schools team in both rugby and football.

Re-affirming his commitment to rugby Leonard, who takes his nationality from a Glasgow-born mother, has been gradually phased into Boroughmuir ranks and after four appearances from off the bench has started the last two games.

He said: "After being selected for Scottish Exiles and Scottish under-18s I moved up from Brighton at the beginning of the season at the invitation of the Institute of Sport and after talking with (coach] Fergus Pringle threw my lot in with Boroughmuir.

"Fly half would be my preferred position but I can also play centre and it is great to be learning playing in between (former pros] Malcolm Clapperton and Ally Warnock. They are both great at talking to me during games and also help out with advice in training."

The youngster has taken the change of scene in his stride and another ex-pro, Ally McLean, the current Boroughmuir team manager, is one of a number of shrewd judges who are proving wild about Harry.

Says McLean: "Harry is proving a really good ball player with a lovely sidestep. He is definitely an outstanding prospect." Leonard, who can also kick goals, has had contrasting fortunes in his two starts so far.

"We went down to Melrose and just didn't get into the game. By contrast last week's win over Dundee saw us close to our best after very good lead-up preparations."

In fact, 'Muir became the first team this season to restrict Dundee to 20 points or less although that resolve will be tested by Heriot's and Learmonth of whom assistant coach Roddy Deans said: "Max has the most fantastic attitude.

"All he wants to do is become a professional rugby player and everything he does reflects that. He has an ability to find space and is an out-and-out finisher which could be useful in what promises to be a bit of a dogfight with Boroughmuir to guarantee a top eight place. We'll certainly have to be on our mettle because Boroughmuir must have played good rugby to defeat a quality team like Dundee last week."

Still resting a damaged ankle for 'Muir is Scotland under-20 squad prop Robin Hislop which is likely to mean a debut for Edinburgh pro Jack Gilding.

In looking to add to Watsonian and Currie scalps Heriot's expect to be along familiar lines.

Elsewhere Currie, having come through their last six games unbeaten, welcome back kiwi Hayden Abercrombie after injury to the starting line-up for the trip to Hawick.

Included on the bench is Andy Turnbull, the Edinburgh wing now returned from the Commonwealth Games sevens tournament with Scotland.

Watsonians visit Melrose with Romanian international forward Sergiu Ursache playing his final match for the club he joined at the beginning of the season.

In Division Two Edinburgh Accies head for a Falkirk side desperately needing a victory to boost prospects of finishing in the top four after losing their previous two outings while Stewart's/Melville, resigned to missing out on the top group, await Hillhead/Jordanhill.

Division Three Musselburgh are at home to Morgan FP.