Scotland wing Darcy Graham set for URC return after 8 months out

Scotland wing Darcy Graham will play his first competitive match in eight months after being named in Edinburgh’s starting XV for Friday’s United Rugby Championship opener at home to Leinster.

The 27-year-old has been badly hindered by injuries over the past 18 months and has not played since mid-January due to thigh and groin issues.

After working on his fitness over the summer and scoring in last weekend’s friendly against Gloucester, Graham has been selected to start as Sean Everitt’s side bid to start the season strongly against a Leinster side who finished third in the regular season last term.

“It’s exciting to be back in BKT URC action this week, and matches don’t get much tougher in this league than facing Leinster,” the Edinburgh head coach told his club’s official website.

“We know the challenge they will bring and it’s up to us to rise to that. We can’t wait to get the season started in front of a packed-out Hive Stadium for round one.”

In addition to the return of Graham, the Edinburgh XV is bolstered by the inclusion of three summer signings. Centre Mosese Tuipulotu, the 23-year-old brother of Scotland international Sione, is joined in the line-up by tighthead Paul Hill, who won six caps for England, and former Glasgow stand-off Ross Thompson.

Ben Muncaster, who managed only three appearances last term due to injury, is back in for his first match since March at number eight.

Scotland squad men Luke Crosbie, Harry Paterson and Sam Skinner miss out due to injury.