CHRIS FUSARO will play his first game of rugby this season when he lines up at openside flanker for BT Premiership champions Heriot’s against an ‘Italy Emerging’ select side at Goldenacre on Saturday afternoon [2.15pm kick-off].
The 27-year-old Glasgow Warriors and Scotland star has been out of action since March, initially with concussion and then recovering from an issue with his knees.
He lines up in an exciting looking backrow alongside two other former Scotland Sevens players in Michael Maltman and Struan Dewar.
Fusaro took his fledgling steps into senior rugby at Heriot’s after moving from Fife to the capital to study chemical engineering and management at Edinburgh University back in 2007.
Heriot’s are looking to chase down a 17 point deficit after losing 50-33 in a free-wheeling first-leg to this ‘Italian-Scottish Challenge’ double-header last Friday.
“After a fantastic experience last weekend, where we took 15 minutes to find our feet, the squad is rotated in an effort to give as many players as possible an opportunity to play at this level,” said Heriot’s head coach Phil Smith.
“The back division has a very youthful look to it, however the players have been told that this is their opportunity to stake their claim for the second half of the season.”
“The pack has a more familiar look, with the addition of Scotland, Glasgow Warrior and ex Heriot’s player Chris Fusaro; and the make-up of the bench geared to give some of our younger players the opportunity to shine.”
We have a sold out ladies lunch and hope that after the game we have a chance to hopefully reciprocate the hosting we experienced last weekend while watching Scotland take on Argentina. All in all, a great day lies ahead, particularly if the 50-33 score line is repeated.”
Heriot’s team to play ‘Emerging Italy’ in the Italian-Scottish Challenge on Saturday 19th November at Goldenacre [kick-off:2.15pm] –
15. Gavin Parker
14. John Rae
13. Robbie Mulvena
12. Donald Crawford
11. Josh Laird
10. Ewan Fox
9. Tom Wilson
1. Gavin Cameron
2. Michael Liness CAPTAIN
3. Ruaridh Mitchell
4. Clarke Smith
5. Calum Marshall
6. Michael Maltman
7. Chris Fusaro
Replacements –
16 Ali Johnstone
17 Struan Cessford
18 Martin Bouab
19 Nick Sutherland
20 Martin Hughes
21 Alex Ball
22 Liam Steele
23 Charlie Simpson
Image: Craig Watson – www.craigwatson.co.uk