Despite assertions to the contrary, "One of the boys mentioned it earlier and that’s the first I’ve heard of it. No, I don’t think so.” In my opinion Hamish Watson is almost certain to be offski when his contract expires in 2021.
I know lots of Edinburgh supporters will be disappointed in this whilst wishing him well and I am halfway there.
I also wish him well, but I'm not disappointed.
Sacrilege you might say, he's been a great player for Edinburgh, how can you possibly not be disappointed?
The facts are these.
In Season 2019-2020 Watson played for Edinburgh in 6 PRO14 matches out of 16 and 4 of those were against Glasgow. That's 37%.
In 2018-2019 - 54%
In 2017-2018 - 54%
In 2016-2017 - 45%
In contrast in 2015 -2016 he played 17 of 22 league games. 77%. So whilst injuries will be a factor in availability (for all players) there seem little doubt that his influence and contribution to the cause has diminished as his value to the Scotland squad has increased.
That's not Watson's fault. I'm merely using him as as an example of the fact that the wider issue is that Edinburgh's chances of being competitive are almost undoubtedly being hampered by international rugby?
You'd have to be a blind optimist to think otherwise. Recent results are a giveaway.
So, given that the needs of the national side are always going to outweigh those of Edinburgh, is success beyond a few quarter and semi finals likely at all?
Probably not.
And if you look at Edinburgh's history the meagre successes they have had has come in cup competitions. This is probably because the few European matches there are fall outside the International windows so the coaches are able to field their strongest sides for those without having to worry about rest protocols and the like.
A league campaign is a different animal however. It requires either a massive squad with quality right through the ranks a la Leinster. Or it requires a bit of luck mixed in with fortunate circumstances.
Luck in the form of minimal injuries, and perhaps the fortunate circumstance of having a number of players who are just bubbling under international recognition.
If you need an example then this might work. In 2016 Connacht won the PRO14. Player of the season for them was Bundee Aki. He wasn't capped by Ireland until 2017.
Not convinced? Tighthead Finlay Bealham, started every game for the Connacht that season but only made his debut for Ireland off the bench in the Six nations that year.
More? Second row Ultane Dillane only got a full Connacht contract in January 2015 and then went on to be a regular started for the Galway side in 2016. His first cap , like Bealham was off the bench in 2016.
Fringe internationals and not quite yet internationals.
I could go on but you get my point I'm sure,.
If we had 15 or even say 10 of the ilk of Luke Crosbie then we might be competing at the sharp end whilst other clubs are pillaged for world cups and six nations and Autumn Nations tournaments.
That's why, as hard as it is right now, we have to have faith in the Chamberlains and the Boyles and the Blains of this world and not worry too much when Hamish Watson leaves for pastures new.
Maybe, just maybe with a little experience and the recognition of the talent that is clearly there we can sneak up on a trophy whilst everyone elses attention is on the international game.
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