Scotland stars to return for Edinburgh's trip to Italy

Props WP Nel and Javan Sebastian are both fit and will be involved in Parma, while lock Glen Young is also back having not been selected by Gregor Townsend this Six Nations.  

Jamie Ritchie will get an opportunity to rediscover his best after falling out of favour with Scotland, while Ali Price, Ben Healy and Harry Paterson are also back.  

Everitt was pleased to welcome back such an experienced group.  

He said: “It is great for us to have them back, but it is also good for us to help out Scottish Rugby and give these guys game time in order for them to prepare for England, Italy and Ireland." 

Darcy Graham won’t be involved with the capital club this week as he continues his recovery from a quad injury.  

But Everitt expects he could be fit to play England next weekend. 

He added: “Darcy is on his return to play week. Medically they feel he just needs another week of full training.  

“He should be up and ready to go next week. If selected, he would be ready to play against England if he gets through this week of training unscathed.”  

Despite seeing limited game time against France, Ewan Ashman remains with the national set-up, but Everitt has plenty of cover in that position. 

“You wouldn’t want one of your top three hookers to be injured in a club game on the weekend when you’re going into a game against England.  

"Youngsters like Harry Paterson, the more he plays the better he’s going to get. He hasn’t had a lot of game time over the last 12 months, so that’s understandable, then there’s guys like Ali and Ben Healy who haven’t had any game time at all.  

“There’s a strategy behind Gregor’s plans and we’ll always respect that and work towards a common goal.” 

Everitt praised Paterson for taking his international debut in his stride against France.  

READ MORE: Gregor Townsend praises Harry Paterson after Scotland debut

He added: “When I came in earlier in the year he was injured and had been out for quite some time, and the first day he got on the training field he looked like he hadn’t missed a day. 

“I didn’t expect any less of him with the opportunity he got on Saturday. He can be very proud of his debut.” 

He said there had been no suggestion of the 22-year-old being brought down to earth after an outstanding performance against France that has earned rave reviews.  

“I don’t think he is a player that’s going to get big-headed. He’s only had one Test cap and he’s only played a handful of games for Edinburgh this season. He knows where he is as a rugby player and he knows there are improvements to make. He is a humble boy.” 

If it has been a good couple of weeks for Paterson, it has been a difficult period for Jamie Ritchie, who has not only lost the Scotland captaincy but now finds himself out of the national team.  

Everitt believes the trip to Parma could be an ideal opportunity for the 27-year-old to put himself back into Scotland contention.  

“It’s a great opportunity for Jamie now to put his hand up - fortunately for him he’s got that opportunity on Friday night and show what he’s worth.  

“He has put in some good performances for Edinburgh throughout the season, but sometimes it happens that you have a dip. It’s about how you get up.  

“He’s certainly got that character - he’s a fighter, he’s a warrior, and he’ll be back and fighting for contention again.”  

Hamish Watson is another who finds himself out of the national team set-up, but Everitt believes that works in his favour.  

“We’re fortunate at the club that we’ve got guys that fight and want to put their hand up for selection and don’t give up on opportunities at national level.  

“It stands us in good stead against a team that can be dangerous at home on Friday night.”