Latest news with #AliPrice
BBC News
02-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Bulls 42-33 Edinburgh: Three things we learned
Edinburgh find courage to end season with prideSean Everitt talked about a fast start and a strong finish. He got both of those, but it was the bit in the middle that saw the Bulls pull out of the fight Edinburgh showed to get ahead and then set up a tense-ish finale was were able to pick themselves up off the canvas after the three-try blitz that would have left others floored. Tries from Ewan Ashman and Wes Goosen made a game of it, but they just couldn't climb the only they could show that hunger, fight and desire in every game, they wouldn't have had to face the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld - one of the hardest away days in the guns offer hope for next seasonThere was a moment in the final 10 minutes that threatened to swing the game back Edinburgh's Price's up-and-under was chased by Harry Paterson, who smashed Canan Moodie back. Liam McConnell, the 20-year-old back-row just off the bench, cleaned out the ruck. Ben Muncaster followed to win the ruck young players, all with huge futures, combining to set up a potential game-swinging moment. It didn't quite work out like that - the subsequent line-out was turned over by the Bulls - but it showed there is hope for the Dave Cherry away, promising hooker Paddy Harrison will get even more game time after a breakthrough season. Freddy Douglas, Muncaster and Liam McConnell will be knocking on the door. Tom Currie, McAlpine was on the bench for this one, with fellow scrum-half Hector Patterson also highly regarded. No scrum-half replacement will be sought for the outgoing shows captain's qualities againIn the absence of co-captains Grant Gilchrist and Ben Vellacott, both missing through injury, it was once again Magnus Bradbury's turn to wear the is now a long time since he was stripped off the captaincy due to an off-field incident, aged just he delivered another stellar performance with the weight of responsibility having no burden at bungled one restart, which did prove costly, but spoke well after the game about how Edinburgh have had a tough season, but how they should be a top-four ambitions? Sure. But if he can lift his team-mates to play at his level, there's no reason why they shouldn't be aiming that high.
Scotsman
31-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Edinburgh Rugby emotions run high after Bulls defeat as five players 'absolutely gutted'
Loss at Bulls brings end of an era for some of squad Sign up to our Rugby Union newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Emotions ran high in the away dressing room at Loftus Versfeld as a number of players came to terms with the end of their Edinburgh careers. The 42-33 loss to the Bulls in the quarter-finals of the United Rugby Championship brought the curtain down on the season for Sean Everitt's side and several long-serving stalwarts will now move on. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Jamie Ritchie and Ali Price are both heading to France, while Mark Bennett, Javan Sebastian and Robin Hislop are on the hunt for new clubs. Jamie Ritchie, right, and Ali Price, second right, were playing their last games for Edinburgh. | Getty Images The five were in Pretoria, with all but the latter involved in the 11-try thriller which saw Edinburgh lead 21-8 before being reined back in either side of half-time as the Bulls scored 31 unanswered points. 'It's a very emotional changing room at the moment,' said Sean Everitt, the Edinburgh head coach who took the club into the URC play-offs for the first time in three years. 'We've got five leavers that are sitting in the changing room absolutely gutted. A lot of effort went into this game and the preparation was really good for us. The travel was good. Unfortunately, we just fell short. But yes, very emotional. 'Ali Price has come to work every day since he's joined Edinburgh with a smile on his face, which is really contagious amongst the team and he certainly brought a lot to the table. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'You look at a guy like Jamie Ritchie that's been at the club for 11 seasons. He's been really outstanding since I've been there for the last two years. One of the standout players, Player of the Year last year and was also a nominee for Player of the Year this year. We will miss him. His competitive edge and leadership is something that we will miss and we wish him well going forward. And then there's obviously guys like Javan, Mark and Robin Hislop as well. 'Robin, although he hasn't played much this year, he's been an anchor within the squad, not always available for selection due to injury. And when he came back from injury, he didn't probably get the game time that he wanted. But a guy that carries himself well around the group when things don't go his way, always positive, training to the best of his ability. We miss people like that because it's a good example to our youngsters. Ali Price of Edinburgh kicks clear during the United Rugby Championship quarter-final against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld. | Getty Images 'I think the positive of it all is that Jamie and Ali have got good opportunities in the south of France and they'll enjoy their environment change. It's not the end of their careers. Sometimes a change in environment is good for an individual. It takes them out of their comfort zone. And if possible, we'd welcome them back in Edinburgh, if we can.' Ritchie has agreed a deal to join Perpignan for next season while Price has been heavily linked with a move to Montpellier. In addition, Dave Cherry, Matt Scott, Jamie Hodgson, Emiliano Boffelli, Jake Henry, Nathan Sweeney and Jack Hocking are all also leaving Edinburgh. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Everitt said he was proud of the way his team performed at Loftus Versfeld against last season's URC finalists, and in particular the start they made. 'We knew that the first 20 minutes were going to be vital and I thought that the players reacted very well to that. We wanted a fast start to counteract what the Bulls do to the opposition when they come to Loftus and we certainly got the start that we wanted. 'But then there were a couple of loose kicks, which does happen in rugby, and the Bulls were outstanding in how they cut us there on counter-attack. 'And then they blitzed us in the second half and we conceded three tries in 13 minutes. But the boys fought until the end and did well to come back to within nine points. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I think if you look at the penalty near the end, we went for the corner and maybe, if we had got three points there, then the pressure turns on the opposition because you're then within a score. So, I'm proud of the fight that the guys showed.
Scotsman
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Edinburgh Rugby bid farewell to 12 including Emiliano Boffelli and seven other full internationals
Argentine international's season has been blighted by injury Sign up to our Rugby Union newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Edinburgh Rugby have announced that 12 players will leave the club at the end of the season and eight full internationals are among those moving on. It was already known that the Scotland quartet of Jamie Ritchie, Dave Cherry, Ali Price and Matt Scott would be going but they are joined by four other full caps, Emiliano Boffelli, Mark Bennett, Javan Sebastian and Jamie Hodgson. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In addition, Robin Hislop, Jake Henry, Nathan Sweeney and Jack Hocking are also heading to pastures new. Edinburgh's Emiliano Boffelli in his final appearance for the club, against Zebre Parma. | SNS Group Boffelli, 30, has had a torrid time with injury since helping Argentina reach the Rugby World Cup semi-finals in 2023. He has played only once this season due to a nerve problem in his back and has been much missed after an outstanding first season with Edinburgh in 2021-22. The long-serving Bennett, 32, is another whose season has been blighted by injury but the gifted centre leaves after eight years at the club. He was Edinburgh's player of the season in 2021-22 after ten tries in 22 games helped them reach the URC and Challenge Cup quarter-finals. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Edinburgh's Jamie Ritchie, left, and Ali Price, right, are moving on at the end of the season. | SNS Group Scotland prop Sebastian, 30, played 28 times across two seasons with Edinburgh while international second-row Jamie Hodgson, 27, came through the system as his hometown club for whom he made 67 appearances. He was on loan at Bristol Bears for a spell this season. Hislop, 33, has spent the last two seasons with Edinburgh but a serious knee injury curtailed his involvement with the club he returned to after being part of the academy set-up. Henry, 24, spent this season on loan at Coventry and the speedy winger will remain with the English Championship club. Sweeney, 24, made his Edinburgh debut against Connacht in 2023 and now moves on after three appearances. Hocking, 20, was part of Scotland's gold medal-winning Sevens team at the 2023 Youth Commonwealth Games. Edinburgh coach Sean Everitt paid tribute to the departing dozen. 'I want to express my sincere gratitude for their unwavering efforts, their commitment to the jersey and the passion they've shown for this club and our supporters,' he said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Irish Times
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Connacht show plenty of fight but URC hopes are ended
United Rugby Championship: Connacht 21 Edinburgh 31 No URC top-eight hopes now for Connacht, but a glimmer for Edinburgh. Connacht's slim hopes of qualifying for the knock-out stages were decided ahead of kick-off; their opponents Edinburgh's still hanging by a thread. It provided the Scottish side with a huge incentive to win, and they were rewarded with the five points necessary to continue their hopes of making the quarter-finals. Connacht, with nothing to lose, produced a worthy performance to sign off their home season before heading to Italy for their final fling. Having arrived in Galway in bullish mood, the Scottish visitors were stacked with experience and some 300 international caps, led by Ali Price and Hamish Watson. Yet, they were made to work hard for the win before eventually being rewarded with maximum points. READ MORE They gave nothing away to Connacht in the first half, and were ahead by 14-0 after 27 minutes - Connacht not helping themselves with the concession of three penalties on the trot. Edinburgh's pack capitalised - Ali Price influential in helping South African Pierre Schoeman to crash over after eight minutes, with outhalf Ross Thompson adding the extras. Influential Hamish Watson, who led the aggressive Scottish back row, did considerable damage to Connacht's ambitions every time the home side tried to make an impression. However, led by Bundee Aki, the home side looked to have scored through Cian Prendergast, but for a forward pass in the build-up. And despite the best efforts of Sean Janson, Conor Oliver and Josh Murphy, Connacht continued to be stymied by the relentless Edinburgh defence. By the half hour mark Hamish Watson, with a dynamic run down the left wing, added try number two, while Connacht did not help themselves with a lack of clinical composure, playing at a frantic pace. Connahct's Bundee Aki and Hamish Watson of Edinburgh after the game. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho That pressure was relieved with a scrum penalty, but Connacht's failure to find touch did not help their cause. However, they turned out in the second half with a different mindset, giving the crowd in this final home game of the season something to cheer about. It came within two minutes of the restart after Shayne Bolton made a crucial break, and with a big carry from Prendergast, and Aki again influential, eventually wing Finn Treacy grabbed a try, with Hanrahan adding the extras. Within minutes Treacy had bagged his second - Ben Murphy delivering to Treacy from the base of a ruck, and the left wing bursting through untouched to level the scores. However, Connacht, getting on the wrong side of the referee, continued to leak penalties, and the visitors made it count with a 57th-minute converted try for Ben Muncaster. A missed Edinburgh penalty to touch produced a superb response from the home side and a collapsed scrum provided Connacht with another scoring opportunity. Kicking to touch, they were eventually rewarded. Peter Dooley and Josh Murphy were instrumental in the build-up before Cordero found Bolton had the pace to claim the third try, levelling the fixture at 21-21. However, when Connacht were denied a fourth try despite the best efforts of Paul Boyle when Hamish Watson made his mark at ruck time, it gave Edinburgh renewed hope. A breakout try through replacement Charlie Shiel, converted by Healy delivered maximum points, despite the best efforts of Connacht's departing Santiago Cordero. The visitors saw out the game with a late penalty; Connacht signed off a difficult home season, despite delivering one of their better displays. Scoring sequence: 7 mins Schoeman try, Thompson con 0-7; 26 mins Watson try, Thompson con 0-14; Half-time: 0-14; 41 mins Treacy try, Hanrahan con, 7-14; 51 mins Treacy try, Hanrahan con 14-14; 57 mins: Muncaster try, Thompson con 14-21; 65 mins: Bolton try, Hanrahan con 21-21; 72 mins: Shiel try, Healy con 21-28; 79m Healy pen 21-31. Connacht: S Cordero, S Bolton, H Gavin, B Aki, F Treacy, JJ Hanrahan, B Murphy, D Buckley, D Heffernan, F Bealham, J Murphy, D Murray, C Prendergast (C), C Oliver, S Jansen. Replacements: D Hawkshaw for Gavin (HT), P Boyle for Jansen and O Dowling for Murray (both 54m), P Dooley for Buckley, D Tierney Martin for Heffernan and J Aungier for Bealham (62m), C Blade for Murphy (66m), Murray for Dowling (71). Edinburgh Rugby: W Goosen, D Graham, M Currie, M Tuipulotu, J Brown, R Thompson, A Price, P Schoeman, E Ashman, D Rae, M Sykes, S Skinner, B Muncaster, H Watson, M Bradbury (C). Replacements: P Harrison, B Venter, J Sebastian for Rae (50m), F Thompson for Tuipulotu (54), P Harrison for Ashman (66m), G Young, L McConnell, C Shiel for Price (67m), G Young for Sykes and B Healy for Thompson (both 71m), L McConnell for Muncaster (73m). Referee: Ben Breakspear (WRU).
BBC News
06-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Bath's power ultimately the difference'
In an alternate reality the opening 10 minutes of Edinburgh v Bath goes like this. Ali Price continues to chase his kick and thanks to a fortunate bounce touches down. Ross Thompson kicks the conversion. Harry Paterson doesn't get injured. A few minutes later, buoyed by that earlier successful kick, Thompson slots a relatively easy penalty. As a result, there is no dropped high ball from the 22 dropout or a penalty given away at the scrum and Bath don't score. Boom. Ten-point swing right there and the game maybe takes on a different complexion. The injury to Paterson was the most hurtful of those incidents. Not because he would have made us 15 points better over the 80 minutes, but his departure meant our backline was disrupted. Mosese Tuipulotu came on at 12 and James Lang moved out to 13 with Matt Currie taking the wing slot. He's done well on the wing when required but the movement of Lang from 12, where he's been influential and a good link for Thompson, kind of put the brakes on a backline that felt like it lacked cohesion thereafter. Our lack of discipline and accuracy were the issues we never really overcame. Two incidents sum it up. The first being on the run-up to Bath's second try. An overthrow on the 5m line resulted in a tap back and then a knock-on. We never got out of that corner until Bath scored through Tom Dunn. The second being at the restart after Edinburgh's first penalty try of the season. Javan Sebastian got pinged for obstruction. That penalty was followed by another three as the relentless forward power of Bath kept us cornered. Sam Skinner was then yellow carded and any advantage from the Bath yellow evaporated without Edinburgh even getting out of their own half. Ultimately this was about power. All six Bath tries came from forwards. Bath won 119 rucks to Edinburgh's 39, and nine of the top 10 tacklers in the match were in Edinburgh colours. It wasn't the prettiest of ways to win a match but it was highly effective and as hard as Edinburgh worked in defence, it wasn't enough. I'm disappointed but not crestfallen. We were in the game right up to the 75th minute. We'll be back and probably pretty soon. Sandy Smith can be found at The Burgh Watch, external
