Watson’s continued omission ‘puzzling’

BBC Scotland senior reporter Andy Burke has been answering your Scottish rugby questions.

Peter asked: Is the consistent non-selection of Hamish Watson the end of his career?

Andy answered: I am a little puzzled by the continued omission of Watson from the Edinburgh side at the moment.

I don’t think it’s unfair to say Watson’s best days are behind him, but I believe he still has something to offer.

Sean Everitt has confirmed Watson is not injured but, even with Freddy Douglas picking up an injury against Gloucester last week, has again omitted the 33-year-old from the squad to face Bayonne on Friday night.

It’s understandable, and indeed essential, that younger options are given game-time in the Edinburgh back row, but I can’t help but feel the experience of a Scotland and Lions international such as Watson would be handy as the club tries to fight on two fronts.

The end of his career? Who knows, but it does seem his time at Edinburgh could be coming to an end.