The unfortunate Ben Muncaster has suffered yet another injury setback, forcing the Edinburgh loose forward out of action for ten weeks and ending his chances of representing Scotland in the upcoming November Nations Championship fixtures.
The back-rower requires an operation to repair ankle damage sustained just two weeks ago during his return match, which took place in Edinburgh’s concluding pre-season friendly against Harlequins.
This means the 24-year-old Scottish international will sit out a minimum of five matches for the capital franchise prior to the autumn tests, beginning with Friday’s home United Rugby Championship encounter against the Stormers, with a return to play not expected before December.
During a milestone 2024-25 campaign, Muncaster earned his inaugural international cap facing Portugal and went on to collect two additional caps from the bench—one against France at the conclusion of the Six Nations (following an ankle injury that kept him out of the early fixtures) and another against Samoa during the summer tour.
However, his previous season was limited to a mere ten appearances, as a back issue postponed his initial availability, followed by a knee injury during his first starting appearance in late November, and culminated in a season-ending ankle ligament tear in early April.
Although he made his comeback off the bench against Harlequins on September 18, he was almost immediately sidelined once more.
“He has experienced incredibly poor luck,” remarked Sean Everitt, the Edinburgh head coach. “I have never coached at a club where a player has been plagued by injuries to this extent. It is a rare and unfortunate occurrence.”
“Regrettably, fortune has not been on his side. My hope is that once this recovery is complete, his troubles will be behind him, allowing him to progress and find a regular rhythm on the pitch.”
Muncaster joins an extensive long-term casualty list at Edinburgh that already includes Scotland winger Darcy Graham, who is out until Christmas with a torn bicep, hooker Patrick Harrison, sidelined by a back problem until the new year, and scrum-half Ben Vellacott, who will not return from shoulder surgery until December.
Though hooker Ewan Ashman, second-rowers Grant Gilchrist and Marshall Sykes, and fullback Harry Paterson are slated for a return in the near future, winger Duhan van der Merwe might not feature for Edinburgh before the November internationals, even though he is nearing a return to practice following a stubborn ankle problem.
In another blow, Scottish tighthead prop D’arcy Rae, who came on as a substitute during the season-opening 34-29 victory away at Ulster, has experienced a new complication and is scheduled to consult a specialist regarding ongoing back and calf problems.
Due to Rae’s absence and with Rhys Litterick—the former Cardiff tighthead eligible for Scotland who sat out the entire previous campaign after injuring his Achilles in his debut—still building fitness for a return in the near future, Friday’s match offers another chance for 20-year-old Ollie Blyth-Lafferty to bolster his international prospects.
Standing 6ft 4in and weighing 135kg, the powerful prop made 15 appearances—including 10 starts—during a highly successful breakthrough season last year, which saw him line up against major opponents such as Toulon and the Sharks.
The teenage front-rower was in the frame for the senior Scotland squad in July, but the national management ultimately determined that competing in another Junior World Championship with the Scotland Under-20 side would serve his growth better.
Nevertheless, with the backup spots behind Scotland’s first-choice tighthead Zander Fagerson still undecided, Everitt is confident that Blyth-Lafferty can force his way into the conversation for the 2027 World Cup squad—scheduled to begin in a year—provided he delivers impressive performances in these opening weeks of the season.
“For that role, most certainly,” Everitt remarked. “His future is in his own hands. Naturally, we are supporting him in training, and I am aware that Gregor Townsend and the national staff are likewise collaborating with Ollie. His massive potential is obvious to everyone.”
“He is still in the developmental stage for a tighthead, but the progress he can make and the game time he will receive over these next five weeks will be invaluable. He has already taken massive strides forward over the past twelve months.”
“A year is a significant period in the sport. I am certain he is part of their long-term plans.”
Everitt feels that the 20-year-old’s openness to criticism and his dedication to refining his performance will hasten his development.
“One of his greatest strengths is his willingness to identify his own weaknesses,” Everitt added. “At times, young players can be resistant to guidance or struggle to accept their current ranking in the squad. He has demonstrated great maturity in that regard.”
“He listens to constructive feedback and remains focused on his goals. Recognizing your areas of improvement is half the battle won.”
Promoting Blyth-Lafferty is one of just two adjustments to the matchday squad of 23 that secured an unexpected victory in Belfast, with Scotland and British & Irish Lions prop Pierre Schoeman stepping into the front row for his seasonal debut. Consequently, Alec Hepburn and Paul Hill move to the replacements.
“Having someone with that level of experience provides a massive boost to the younger squad members,” Everitt commented regarding Schoeman. “He serves as a key leader within our squad; the squad respects him immensely and gains a great deal of self-belief from his presence.”
“He integrates wonderfully with everyone throughout the day, and I am certain he is encouraging the players, boosting morale, and building up their belief for tomorrow’s clash.”
Edinburgh line-up to play the Stormers: 15. Piers O’Conor; 14. Malelili Satala, 13. Matt Currie (co-captain), 12. Kienan Higgins, 11. Geordie Gwynn; 10. James Grayson, 9. Hector Patterson; 1. Pierre Schoeman, 2. Harri Morris, 3. Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, 4. Callum Hunter-Hill, 5. Glen Young, 6. Liam McConnell, 7. Freddy Douglas, 8. Magnus Bradbury (co-captain).
Substitutes: 16. Jerry Blyth-Lafferty, 17. Alec Hepburn, 18. Paul Hill, 19. Euan McVie, 20. Tom Currie, 21. Conor McAlpine, 22. Cammy Scott, 23. Rory McHaffie.
Fixture
United Rugby Championship
Edinburgh
Stormers
