Extra motivation for Edinburgh with ‘everything’ on the line against Munster

Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt said his side would be going all out to ensure Viliame Mata and WP Nel get a memorable send-off in what could be their final game at the Hive Stadium.

The pair will start in Friday’s BKT United Rugby Championship clash with Munster at the sold-out ground ahead of their summer departures. Mata is set to join Bristol while Nel is due to retire.

Edinburgh are looking to consolidate their seventh-placed position in their penultimate game of the regular URC season. They are four points ahead of Connacht and Lions, who are just outside the eight play-off positions.

Everitt told his club’s website: “It will be an electric atmosphere on Friday night with a full house at Hive Stadium. This is a massive game for us and the energy our fans create from teams-out will be crucial in driving us forward from the first whistle.

“The squad have put in a huge shift this season and this match is a chance to solidify everything we’ve worked for.

“It will also be a special occasion for guys like Bill (Mata) and WP who have been tremendous servants to the club for a long time. I know our squad will be going all out to ensure it’s a positive night.

“Munster are a formidable opponent and we’re under no illusions about the challenge we face going up against the reigning BKT URC Champions.

“However, we have belief and our squad will be fired up playing at home in front of a packed out capital crowd.”

Co-captain Ben Vellacott replaces Ali Price at scrum-half in the only change for Everitt’s side.