Scottish Rugby

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Scrum-half Hector Patterson has signed his first professional contract with Edinburgh after his try-scoring debut in last Friday's URC win over Zebre.

The 21-year-old former Jed-Forest, Hawick and Scotland Under-20 player helped Edinburgh seal a 31-30 victory over the Italian outfit.

Patterson said: "Friday night was everything I dreamed it would be. Pulling on that jersey for the first time in a competitive match, in front of our own fans at Hive Stadium, was a moment I'll carry with me forever. I loved every single minute of it and it's only made me hungrier for more.

"Signing my first pro deal is what I've been working towards my whole career. To get here, at this club, feels incredibly special."

Do you have any burning questions for our rugby experts after Scotland's bruising Six Nations defeat by England?

Or maybe you want to know more about last weekend's URC action as Glasgow were beaten comprehensively by Lions and Edinburgh scraped past Zebre?

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

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Scotland number eight Emily Coubrough says Scotland are in a position to "go after" the rest of the Six Nations despite Saturday's bruising defeat by England.

The Red Roses ran in 12 tries at Murrayfield in a show of power and speed, which Scotland could not cope with.

Sione Fukofuka's side missed 52 tackles on a tough afternoon but Coubrough says a brutal learning experience against the world champions can set them up for Italy next week after beating Wales in week one.

"It was very physical and very fast," the 19-year-old, who earned her second cap, told BBC Scotland.

"Although it was tricky and they are very talented opposition, there was so much to take from that and build on for next week.

"They displayed what they're great at and we didn't rise to that. [Defence] is a big work on for us.

"These next few games are the ones we really want to go after and we're in a brilliant place to do so."

Over 30,000 fans turned out at Murrayfield to set a Scottish record for a standalone women's sporting event.

Coubrough says she and the squad were emotional as the bus drew into Murrayfield and was greeted by thousands of fans.

"It was just insane, the atmosphere was incredible," she said.

"I've never experienced a crowd like that before, and it drives you on so much even in the difficult times.

"As soon as we turned into Murrayfield everyone was just in shock at how many people were there. To come round the corner and get off the bus with so many people around you cheering us on, it was incredible.

"I had a couple of tears in my eyes."

Rugby fans, you had three games to watch over the weekend. Here are your views on Edinburgh's narrow win over Zebre, Glasgow's heavy defeat to Lions, and Scotland's loss to England in the Women's Six Nations.

SCOTLAND WOMEN

Annemarie: We just couldn't compete with England but who can? They're in a league of their own. They're world champions and will no doubt win the Six Nations again. It was amazing though to be a play a part in history. Biggest crowd ever for a Scotland women's rugby team. It's something to remember and how far these women have come! Let's finish on a high and win the next three games that are coming up. Let's turn out to support them.

Stuart: Regardless of the result, the attendance was better than many of us had probably predicted. Time for the SRU to let them play at Murrayfield for every home game.

Mark: This was not a day if you were a Scotland supporter expecting a win. Instead, it was a joyous carnival to celebrate just how much women's team sport, and rugby in particular, has grown over recent years.

A special credit to those Scottish players who have amassed 60-80 caps. Despite the score, they enjoyed a day in the sun that perhaps they never would've imagined when initially embarking on their rugby careers.

GLASGOW WARRIORS

Stuart: Poor, poor performance from Warriors. We seem to have come back from the Six Nations break in disarray. Just an off game I hope. Recycling the ball was slow and the Lions could reset their defence easily.

Brian: The last two games have been a couple of bitter pills to swallow, and the next one will not be an easy ride either. Some key injuries have hit us hard. We've been brilliant all season, let's hope the boys can pull a bit of magic to hopefully get the reward of home play-off ties from the remaining games.

Ethan: The defence was terrible at times and players made ridiculous mistakes. It was always going to be a hard game regardless of injuries, but must acknowledge the younger players involvement still giving it their all e.g. Jack Oliver's first start, Fergus Watson on wing, Ryan Burke and Dylan Cockburn on bench.

EDINBURGH

Steve: Who would have predicted that Edinburgh's one-point win at home against the league's place holders (no offence intended) would be the highlight of Scotland's rugby weekend? If this is progress, let's hope the SRU's plan is to go backwards before going forwards.

Graeme: Turgid - I can't wait for this season to be over. How can Edinburgh struggle to beat one of the weakest sides in the league? Speaks volumes about the capitals setup.

Stair: We saw the emergence of a talented scrum half [Hector Patterson] and the team did not rely on box kicking as their only attacking option. Ewan Ashman ran about like a 20 year old! On the downside it was a real struggle to beat the worst team in the league by one point. No real go forward and leaky defence. How many more excuses from Sean Everrit?

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Edinburgh have signed Scottish-qualified centre Riley Higgins from Hurricanes from next season.

The club says the deal is "one of the most significant pieces of recruitment in Edinburgh Rugby's recent history" as Higgins joins on a three-year deal.

Higgins, 23, qualifies for Scotland through his grandmother, who is from Ayrshire and can play at 12, 13 or on the wing.

Edinburgh say the New Zealand-born back was in-demand after a promising start to his career.

"Riley is an outstanding talent and this is a significant signing for Edinburgh Rugby," head coach Sean Everitt said.

"He has already proven himself at the highest level in the southern hemisphere - a player who was keeping All Blacks out of the Hurricanes' starting lineup before his 24th birthday - and we believe the best is still very much to come from him.

"The fact that he has chosen to turn down a potential All Blacks future, and has rejected higher offers elsewhere, to come to Edinburgh tells you everything about his ambition to succeed in Scotland.

"We worked enormously hard over many months to get this deal over the line, and I'm delighted we've got it done."

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Scotland hooker Elis Martin says the players will learn to deal with emotion of big occasions better after their experience against England.

A record of over 30,000 people turned out to watch the Six Nations encounter at Murrayfield which was charged with emotion for the Scotland players.

But England spoiled the party in brutal fashion as they ran in 12 tries to run out 84-7 winners.

Martin says it was understandable if there were some "jitters" from Scotland, and they wil be stronger for the experience.

"It's different to what we've ever experienced before. It's the first time a lot of people have felt 'Oh wow - there's more people than I can count.'," Martin told BBC Scotland.

"You couldn't even see people up in the stands. It was incredible and exactly what we want.

"But it's a difference. Even the tunnel, the anthems, having the piper it was all amazingf. The emotions were incredible, and I wouldn't wouldn't personally change that for the world, the way that felt.

"It might feel at the end of the day that the game was the most important thing. But taking a moment to take that emotion in and have a tear in your eye - I can forgive it.

"I can forgive it if the first try was because people were a bit over-stimulated and overwhelmed.

"We want that again and again, and by the second time it all happens when we have 40,000 next time, people will be used to it."

Glasgow suffered a bruising eight-try defeat by Lions in Johannesburg, but remain top of the United Rugby Championship table.

Read the full match report here

Have your say on the game via this link

Dominant England spoiled Scotland's record-breaking afternoon at Murrayfield with a 12-try win which keeps them on course for another Six Nations title.

Read the full match report here

Have your say on the game via this link

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Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm: "It is not what we wanted and the scoreline is disappointing but as we said before the game, we are here for the performance.

"Where we are in our cycle, England aren't a team that we are ready to compete with, but the promising thing is that we created some pretty cool chances today but the disappointing is that we didn't stop them enough times."

On what went wrong for Scotland: "I think it was a bit of inexperience here today across the board, we are all still learning each other. Today was a baptism of fire and they exposed our weaknesses. This was a brilliant test for us but we hoped we would out in a better performance today."

On Rhona Lloyd scoring a try: "Of all the people to get Murrayfield on their feet, Rhona Lloyd is definitely one of them. Scotland is everything to her and what she has given to Scotland over the years is incredible."

A final message to the fans: "I just want to say a massive thank you, today has been a dream come true, the performance and the outcome wasn't what we wanted but you guys created something that we never thought was possible in our careers. Let's make it happen again."

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Scotland head coach Sione Fukofuka: "I am very disappointed to be honest. The occasion was fantastic but full credit to John Mitchell, Meg Jones and the team. We had a few areas exposed and we need to work on that."

On what he will work on: "A bit around our field position and decision-making. The set piece worked well sometimes and then it didn't. A lot to work on for next week.

"We will take those lessons from England and turn it around. I feel really confident that next week we can turn it around and put on a good performance.

"I want to see accuracy, we are a good team, a clinical team and accurate but under pressure today we weren't and England were able to expose that.

"The occasion was amazing and we embraced that there were 30,000 plus in the stands."

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Centre Mosese Tuipulotu has signed a new two-year deal with Edinburgh until the summer of 2028.

The 24-year-old suffered a knee injury that kept him out of action for the last 10 months but he returned to Sean Everitt's side in March.

"Representing this club means everything to me," Tuipulotu said.

"Every time I pull on the Edinburgh jersey there's a genuine sense of pride – this is a special place and I never take that for granted.

"It's been a really challenging year. Ten months is a long time to be on the sidelines and there were difficult moments along the way, but the support I've had from everyone here – the coaches, the medical team, the players and supporters – has been incredible. I can't thank the club enough for the way they've stuck by me and helped me get back to where I need to be.

"I feel great. I'm getting back to full fitness and really enjoying my rugby again. But honestly, more than anything, I'm just excited about what's ahead. I still have so much I want to achieve here and I want to be a key part of this team pushing forward and competing at the very top. This is absolutely where I want to be."

Head coach Everitt added: "Mosese has shown tremendous character this past year.

"Coming back from a serious knee injury is never easy, but the dedication and hard work he has put into his rehab and getting himself back onto that pitch has been there for everyone to see."

Edinburgh earned just a fifth win of the URC season the hard way, with a last-gasp converted try from Boan Venter enough to edge out bottom side Zebre by one point.

Read the full match report here.

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Edinburgh Rugby head coach Sean Everitt told Premier Sports: "It would be easy to pack our bags and get ready for the holidays and not care about what happens over the next four weeks, but we've made a choice, we want to play for our fans.

"There's a lot to play for, a great opportunity for youngsters to put their hands up and Hector Patterson did that tonight.

"I told Hector a couple of weeks ago that he was going to start. I don't think he worried about it. He started the game really well and his box-kicks into the wind in the second half were outstanding.

"It was a bit of dream debut for the young man."

Looking forward to next season, Everitt adds: "We pride ourselves on our set-piece. We've got a pack that can dominate the opposition. Unfortunately, at times this year we haven't had the personnel to do that.

"We want to be better with ball in hand and more importantly we need to grow our second phase play."

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Scrum-half Jack Oliver makes his first start amid nine Glasgow Warriors changes for their URC game with Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.

As Franco Smith's side return to league action after their Champions Cup quarter-final exit to Toulon, Seb Stephen, Rory Sutherland and Fin Richardson comprise a new-look front-row.

Euan Ferrie and Sione Vailanu come into the back-row while Stafford McDowall shifts to inside centre - and takes the captain's armband from the rested Kyle Steyn - as Huw Jones returns at outside centre.

Fergus Watson, who made his debut against Benetton last month, and Kyle Rowe are drafted into the back three to join Josh McKay.

Ryan Burke could make his pro debut off the bench, with Sione Tuipulotu, Zander Fagerson and fit-again Nathan McBeth also among the replacements.

Glasgow are top of the table - four points clear of Stormers with four games of the regular season remaining - while Lions occupy fifth spot.

"The Lions pose one of the toughest away tests in the URC, defending a strong home record as they chase a place in the play-offs," said Glasgow head coach Smith.

"Their brand of rugby can cause problems for any team, with a blend of physical forwards and backs that can run the ball from anywhere on the field.

"It is a test that we have prepared for in training this week and one that we know we must be at our best to meet."

Glasgow XV to face Lions: McKay, Rowe, Jones, McDowall, Watson, Lancaster, Oliver; Sutherland, Sebastian, Richardson, Oguntibeju, Samuel, Ferrie, Vailanu, Demspey.

Replacements: Hiddleston, McBeth, Z Fagerson, Cockburn, Burke, Fraser, Afshar, Tuipulotu.

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Scotland international Marshall Sykes has signed a new two-year deal with Edinburgh.

Capped eight times by his country, the 26-year-old has long been a fixture in Edinburgh's pack and is closing in on 100 appearances for the club.

"Signing this deal was one of the easiest decisions I've ever had to make. Edinburgh is home, simple as that," Sykes said.

"My wife and I are so settled here, so happy in this city, and I can't imagine being anywhere else. This club means everything to me and I want to be the kind of player that Edinburgh fans look back on and say, 'He was always here, he always put his body on the line for us.'

"I've been here in the good times and I've been here in the harder times, and if anything that's made me more determined than ever to help turn things around. Playing under Sean [Everitt] has been great – his ambition for this club is clear and I'm excited about the direction he's taking us as a squad.

"I want to repay the faith the club has shown in me and I genuinely believe the best is still ahead of us."

Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

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Scotland head coach Sione Fukofuka has been speaking to the media after naming his team to face England in their Women's Six Nations clash at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Here are the main points from his press conference:

• Fukofuka is full of praise for Evie Wills, who has replaced the injured Emma Orr - "she committed to improving her rugby, went down to [her club] Sale with not a lot, has performed for Sale, and we're really excited to have her in the starting team to reward that".

• When asked if he was tempted to bring Francesca McGhie and Rachel McLachlan, both starting on the bench, straight back into the team the coach admits "we definitely had some pretty robust conversations around it." However, he pointed to the fact Alex Stewart and Shona Campbell both performed well against Wales.

• The Scotland boss says "Fran was world class at the World Cup but she hasn't played now for about five and a bit months, so we really want to make sure we're looking after her" and says he's "pretty excited for that impact off the bench in the second half".

• Fukofuka says that the mantra for Saturday is about performance, while stressing "there is no weight on Scotland shoulders" despite facing the world champions. "What we've spoken about is just embracing the occasion and that we're very lucky to have the opportunity to have [30,000] people supporting us."

• Fukofuka says he loves the challenge of facing the world champions. "England bring out the best in other teams, from my experience, and regardless of the result, the opportunity to play the best in the world gives you real insight to where you are."

• He also sees this as a free hit with the pressure all on England: "The players want to perform for the family, the friends that are coming, but you're right, the pressure's on England. There's an expectation on them to win every game. From our point of view, it's just the pressure we put on ourselves to perform. We really want to perform for Scotland and express ourselves, and really unlock some of those strengths that are sitting there waiting to be unleashed."

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Edinburgh have made six changes for Friday's home URC match against Zebre, including a professional debut for scrum-half Hector Patterson.

Mosese Tuipulotu and Findlay Thomson form a new-look centre partnership with James Lang and Matt Currie both out injured.

In the forwards, Ollie Blyth-Lafferty replaces another injury absentee in D'arcy Rae, while Freddy Douglas starts at openside flanker and Connor Boyle shifts to number eight.

Ben Muncaster is out for the rest of the season with an ankle problem.

"Injuries are never easy to take, but one of the things they do is open doors for players who are ready and waiting for their chance – and this week is a perfect example of that," head coach Sean Everitt said.

"Hector [Patterson] has worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and he thoroughly deserves his opportunity. Findlay [Thomson] coming back into the side is also a real boost for us, and it's great to see him firing again.

"When you look at that matchday 23 and count 12 players who have come through this club's academy system, that tells you everything about the work being done behind the scenes. It's genuinely exciting to see the next generation stepping up and putting their hands up at this level."

Edinburgh: O'Conor, Graham, M. Tuipulotu, Thomson, Satala, Thompson, Patterson; Schoeman, Ashman, Blyth-Lafferty, Sykes, Gilchrist, McConnell, Douglas, Boyle.

Replacements: Richardson, Venter, Hill, Young, T. Currie, Vellacott, Scott, Brown.