Scotland coach wants Magners League success

Scotland boss Andy Robinson has made it clear that he sees the performances of the country's two premier sides as absolutely crucial to the future of the international game.

Robinson, who spent two seasons coaching Edinburgh prior to accepting his current role in 2009, believes that confident players playing well for both Glasgow and Edinburgh can only be a positive as far as the Scottish national side is concerned.

And with an end-of-season tour to Argentina on the horizon, success at Magners League level would be a huge boost ahead of what could be an enthralling summer.

"There's a lot of rugby to be played now for Glasgow and Edinburgh aiming to be successful in the Magners League," said Robinson.

"The guys will go back really confident there.

"We want them to be successful and then we can go to Argentina with a team that's in form.

"After our last performance against Argentina, where we played well but didn't win, it's important we go out and perform.

"Both Edinburgh and Glasgow have won in Wales this season and Glasgow got the Munster monkey off their backs by beating them for the first time earlier in the season.

"The two Scottish sides are doing really well in the regular league so far and I think both can go on and make the semi-finals and either one of them could win the title for the first time."

Robinson's comments aren't just soundbites either.

The former England and Lions flanker has backed up his words with actions by continually lending his support to both Glasgow and Edinburgh when it comes to player release and conditioning.

That support has been appreciated by Edinburgh coach Rob Moffatt who shares the belief that success in the Magners League can benefit Scotland on the world stage.

"Andy is very aware that he wants Glasgow and Edinburgh to be going well," explained Moffat.

"He doesn't want to be interrupting us, and not only just now.

"All throughout this season we've tried to make sure we're going to have every¬one firing now for the end of the season.

"That's what it's all about for us. It's a balancing act, but hopefully it's something we'll get it right."

Edinburgh currently third in the Magners League standings, having been in the top four for the vast majority of the season to date, while Glasgow are just a place below them in fourth.

Next up for Moffat's men is a trip to Connacht this Friday, while Glasgow host the Dragons at Firhill two days later.