Five changes for Edinburgh as internationals return to squad

Edinburgh Rugby return to BT Murrayfield, after last Friday's home game at Myreside, to take on the side sitting in fourth place in the Guinness PRO12 table - equal third on points with former table-toppers Ospreys who Edinburgh defeated last week.

Three changes in the backs sees wingers Dougie Fife and Tim Visser return from national team duty and stand-off Tom Heathcote move up from the bench.

In the pack, lock Ben Toolis and flanker Hamish Watson are also released from Scotland squad camp for this fixture.

Lock Ollie Atkins, flanker Hugh Blake and stand-off Jade Te Rure, who featured in last week's win, move to the bench.

Due to challenges emanating from Richie Gray's injury and Tim Swinson's draft into the Scotland squad, Edinburgh Rugby locks Fraser McKenzie and Alex Toolis have been loaned to Glasgow Warriors - the former for this weekend's match only and the latter on a short-term loan.

Edinburgh were more than happy to help the club and wish Warriors all the best with their game on Saturday against Ospreys.

Head coach Alan Solomons said: "It is good to have some of the national squad back with us. They have slotted in extremely well and the team is looking forward to locking horns with one of the top teams in the competition."

Tomorrow's match sees a Student Special offer, with the £10 ticket including a burger and a beer (matriculation card must be produced on entry).

Meanwhile all supporters attending the game will be entered in a draw to win a pair of tickets for the sold-out Scotland v Ireland RBS 6 Nations international on Saturday 21 March at BT Murrayfield.

Edinburgh team v Ulster, Friday 20 February, BT Murrayfield, kick-off 7.35pm

15 Jack Cuthbert
14 Dougie Fife
13 Sam Beard
12 Phil Burleigh
11 Tim Visser
10 Tom Heathcote
9 Grayson Hart

1 Rory Sutherland
2 Neil Cochrane
3 W P Nel
4 Anton Bresler
5 Ben Toolis
6 Roddy Grant
7 Hamish Watson
8 Mike Coman (captain)

Replacements

16 Stuart McInally
17 Grant Shiells
18 John Andress
19 Ollie Atkins
20 Hugh Blake
21 A N Other
22 Jade Te Rure
23 Andries Strauss


Tom Heathcote

Stand-off Tom, who joined Edinburgh Rugby in summer 2014 on a one-year contract, has now completed negotiations to join Worcester Warriors in June 2015.

The 23-year-old, who will secure his 15th cap for the club this weekend, has made three appearances for Scotland, making his debut at Pittodrie in the defeat to Tonga in November 2012.

Tom said: "I've enjoyed my season here - the highlights have been that first game when we won against Munster, and beating Glasgow for the 1872 Cup.

"I've really enjoyed living in Edinburgh and am hoping to be back often, to visit.

"Meanwhile, we've a big three months ahead of us, looking to finish in the top six in the league and progress in European competition."