Knights Club News

York City Knights General Manager Ian Wilson has said that missed opportunities were what cost the Knights victory in Sundays match against Hunslet. The Knights were beaten 20 – 6 at the South Leeds Stadium, but he urged the Knights faithful to stick with the players and insisted that the team are not far away from producing the goods. Wilson said,

Ian Wilson

It was on the Knights left edge where most of the opportunities were created and Wilson said if we had taken the right option we could have easily had three scores down that side alone,

“Sport is a game of ifs and buts but if Brooke Broughton had passed to Tom Bush early in the first half rather than go himself we score in the corner. If Jordan Tansey plays out the back rather than the short ball we score two more try’s. And if Brett Turner scores following Jordan Tansey’s break that’s four clear cut opportunities that we missed”.

Wilson also said that key decisions went against the Knights with particular reference to Hunslet having 7 tackles in their opening set of the game which lead to Warren Turley (referee) ruling that Matt Garside knocked on the Hawks opening kick, rather than ruling a charge down, which would have resulted in the Knights centre running 70 metres for the opening try. Wilson also said that after watching the DVD of the match he cannot see why Jordan Tansey’s second half try was disallowed, which also resulted in the Knights fullback been sin binned after protesting and that Hunslets’s opening score by former Knight Dennis Tuffour was ‘a good metre forward’. Added to that was the referee deciding not to put another former Knight Luke Helliwell in the sin bin after been ruled offside following the play the ball after Brett Turner was caught just short of the line.

“Again we are talking about if’s and buts but when you are not in particularly good form you need certain key decisions to go your way, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case on Sunday. It is important that everyone stays positive and that the Knights fans get behind the players on Sunday against Sheffield”.

Turnstiles for Sundays match open at 1:30pm, with the game kicking off at 3pm. Ticket holders can access Bar 13 from 12:30pm which can be purchased by calling the Knights office on 01904 767404. Vice Presidents wishing to book a pre match can do so, at a cost of £5 per person. To ensure availability please book by 5pm today (Wednesday). Please note that Vice Presidents will still need to bring their Vice Presidents Wallet to access the Vice Presidents lounge. Knights and Eagles Junior Season Ticket holders can get into the game free of charge with their season tickets.

For further details contact the office on 01904 767404.

The York City Knights have teamed up with York Acorn in order to provide a Competitive Touch Rugby League League.

Touch Rugby League is a non-contact, fast paced, fun version of Rugby League and can be played by anyone, of any age, ability or gender. Touch Rugby League has boomed in North Yorkshire recently and with 4 social sessions taking place across the county and as a result of this we are offering teams a chance to enter a competition.

The competition will be run over a 10 week block, with all fixtures, results and dates available on our website.

We are asking for one point of contact (team captain) from each team, who can put a team of ten players (minimum 6) together prior to the start date of Monday 23rd April at York Acorn. Players need to be registered before this date as you cannot just turn up and play.

We see this as an ideal opportunity for local amateur teams/ businesses to use this as a team building exercise as well as building their Rugby League skills.

There is a one off £10 payment, to be made payable upfront and then it is £10 per week per team.

The first week will be an introduction week and will start at 7.30pm.

For more information please contact Jack Stearman on Jack @ycknights.co.uk

Carnegie Challenge Cup 2012

The Knights would like to remind supporters of important match day information for Sundays Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth round match against the Sheffield Eagles.

Standard match day admission prices will apply (detailed below);

Adults – £14

Over 65′s / Students – £10

Under 16′s – £5

A £2 transfer to seating is applicable per person.

Knights and Eagles Junior Season Ticket holders can gain entry to the game with their 2012 Season Tickets. Please note that all other Season Tickets / Vice Presidents are not valid for this match.

Supporters wishing to access Bar 13 prior to the turnstiles opening at 1:30pm will need to purchase a match ticket before 12pm on Friday 13th April. Tickets can be purchased from our Roland Court office or by calling 01904 767404. Please note a 50p charge is added for credit/debit card transactions. Vice Presidents wishing to book a pre match meal can do so at a cost of £5 per person using the methods above. This must be booked by 12pm on Wednesday 11th April 2012.

The Knights are offering Hospitality Boxes for ten people for just £300 + VAT for Sundays Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth round match against the Sheffield Eagles. This includes the following benefits;

- Access to the sponsors lounge from 12:30pm

- Two course pre match meal

- Complimentary match day programmes

- Tannoy announcements

- Signed, framed Knights team photograph

Individual hospitality is also available at £30 + VAT per person which includes the following;

- Access to the sponsors lounge from 12:30pm

- Two course pre match meal

- Ticket for the match for either the main stand or a hospitality box

- Complimentary match day programme

If you are interested in this fantastic offer please call Ross on 07949 966686.

Finally don’t forget that tickets for the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final can be booked through the club, for which we receive cashback on sales. Tickets in any price category are available. Contact the club for further details (019o4 767404).

For further details on any of the above contact the Knights office.

Hospitality at York City Knights

The Knights are offering Hospitality Boxes for ten people for just £300 + VAT for Sundays Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth round match against the Sheffield Eagles. This includes the following benefits;

- Access to the sponsors lounge from 12:30pm

- Two course pre match meal

- Complimentary match day programmes

- Tannoy announcements

- Signed, framed Knights team photograph

Individual hospitality is also available at £30 + VAT per person which includes the following;

- Access to the sponsors lounge from 12:30pm

- Two course pre match meal

- Ticket for the match for either the main stand or a hospitality box

- Complimentary match day programme

If you are interested in this fantastic offer please call Ross on 07949 966686.

Mick Ramsden

I’d like to start by welcoming Graham Davey into the coaching team and he will run the reserves side having recently worked at Hull FC and with Mick Cook at Leeds Rhinos, mainly on player development. He’s settled in very quickly and it’s obvious that he will be an asset to us once he gets to know the players’ development needs within the squad.

We’ve played three games since my last blog, with the first team playing Hull Dockers in the Challenge Cup and Leigh Centurions away last Friday, and the reserves playing Keighley Cougars at home. The first team continue to struggle to find good form and the reserves continue to play well but lose their games in the later stages, so we’ve still got plenty to work on. We weren’t the only professional team who failed to put their amateur opponents to the sword, and I believe that it’s just a mindset where the players expect it to be easier than it is. Hull Dockers played very well so credit to them, we did just enough which wasn’t how we wanted to play the game.

As mentioned earlier the first team are struggling to hit form and we look forward to the day when we can pick from full a strength squad but that may be some time away yet as the injury situation shows no real signs of improvement. The majority of players that we have selected have worked really hard but we are still trying to find the best combinations in key positions with the players that we have available. One positional change that seems to have worked is Jordan Tansey to full back where he’s had more freedom to come into the attack. He seems to be looking sharper with the ball as the weeks go on and that surely is a good sign for us.

One player that I’m glad to see come back to us is Nathan Freer, who took the player of the year and the players player award last season. The demands of travelling to Featherstone from Hull five days a week were taking it’s toll on him and he’s fitted straight back into our squad like he’s never been away. Having watched the Leigh game again on tape, he was our best forward. He has the right attitude and you can rely on him to play direct, hard and fast whenever he carries the ball which is what we tend to lack just lately in the first team.

James Ford worked hard as well against Leigh, and his involvements increased hugely by playing at stand off and at loose forward in the later stages. He’s leading the way with quick play the balls by a mile and by his own admission he’s stronger and faster this season. Maybe his future lies in a more pivotal role?

Brett Turner also made an impact off the bench and I like his enthusiasm and willingness to get stuck in, he’s probably improved more than anyone so far this year. Our second half against Leigh was actually very good and he was right in the middle of most of our high points.

So we are gearing up for the big game at Hunslet this week and it really is a must win game for us. We really have to start the game like we finished it against Leigh by firing into them at full throttle from the first minute. We are looking for a big response from the players this week, and they should take confidence from the second half vs Leigh where we were causing them problems in all areas. The difference was the players willingness to dig deeper and fight for everything. More of the same please guys!

See you at South Leeds

Rammo

York Pullman

York Pullman Bus Company are now taking bookings for away travel to Hunslet on Sunday, priced at £12 per person. Pick up points are as follows;

The Ainsty – 12pm

Clarence Street – 12:15pm

Huntington Stadium – 12:30pm

To book call Hayley at York Pullman on 07525 912463 or 01904 622992.

……Or three.

York City Knights Friendly Giant Mascot, Norris, visited Melbourne school to help the young children run the Sport Relief mile. Community Development officer and Player Jack Stearman took along Norris as encouragment for the children to exercise for a good cause.

Prior to the run, Jack and Norris spoke in an assembly regarding how important healthy eating and exercise is to contribute towards a healthy lifestyle,

Norris with the children from Melbourne

The run then followed, or walk for Norris, where he was helped by the children to run the mile for sport relief. There were three different classes throughout the morning, so by the end of it Norris was one tired mascot. Jack also ran the mile with many of the children grateful of his presence.

One child commented “It was great to run with Jack and to try keep up with Norris, it made it really fun”

If you are interested in Norris helping out at events at your school then please contact the Knights office on 01904 767404.

Supporters travelling to Leigh for Friday nights Co-operative Championship match  can receive a £2 discount on adult tickets and £1 discount on concessions and juniors if you book before 5pm on Wednesday 28^th March 2012. To take advantage of this offer, either ‘phone the ticket office, (01942 487888) or buy ‘on-line’ at www.leightickets.com quoting the discount code ‘LCT01’ in the promotion code box. Tickets can be posted to you, or collected at the stadium, on match day. Tickets purchased after this date and on the day of the game are priced as follows;

West Stand (Seating) – Adult £18, Concession £9 & Junior £5

North Stand (Standing) – Adult £16, Concession £8, Junior £5

Free parking is available on site but supporters are advised not to park on the roads as wheel clamping is in operation.

‘Park Inn by Radisson’, on the LSV site immediately opposite the stadium, is currently offering a double room, with breakfast for two, plus two West stand tickets for the game, at £75. Anyone wishing to take advantage of this offer, should contact 01942 487887, for details.

York Pullman are running a bus for supporters, priced at £17 per person, which will pick up from the Ainsty (4.45pm), Clarence Street (5pm) and Huntington Stadium (5pm). To book call Hayley at York Pullman on 07525 912463 or 01904 622992.

Freer Returns

York City Knights are pleased to announce that 2011 Players Player of the Year Nathan Freer has re joined the club from Featherstone Rovers. Freer has signed a deal until the end of the 2013 season and will be available for Friday’s Co-operative Championship clash at Leigh. Commenting on the signing Knights Player Head Coach Chris Thorman said,

“We never wanted to lose Nathan but we respected his decision to join Featherstone last year. We are delighted to welcome him back as he is a fantastic player as well as been a top professional. We know he will fit in well with the ethos we have at the club and I am looking forward to working with him again”.

Don’t forget the Knights Reserves are at home to Keighley tomorrow night (Thursday), 8pm KO. Entry is free for season ticket holders and vice presidents on production of your 2012 season ticket booklet, otherwise admission is £4 (Adults) and £1 (U16’s).

Coach the Coaches is back for the third time this year, after the first two Successful Sessions. Coaches from around North Yorkshire are invited to the session, which will take place at Huntington Stadium 6pm-7pm on Tuesday 10th April 2012. The idea behind the sessions is to help educate coaches on how the first team are coached, which will be important to feedback to their amateur clubs, no matter which age group they coach.

Head Coach Chris Thorman has headed the previous two sessions, and he has stressed how important these sessions are for the coaches, clubs and players around the area.

“The Coach the Coaches sessions are a fantastic way to educate the coaches, who will then take back what they have learnt to their players. This will develop the whole local Rugby League community and build the links between the amateurs and the proffessionals. I urge as many coaches to come to these sessions.”

At this Session, Thorman will be helped out by Assistants Mick Ramsden and Mick Cook, as well as a mixture of First team players.

There is no charge in order to take part in the session, and everyone is welcome, however we do ask that you contact Jack Stearman on 01904 767404 or jack@ycknights.co.uk. Ideas are also welcome on what you wuold like the session to focus on.

Chris Thorman

Chris Thorman

York City Knights Player Head Coach Chris Thorman will be without the services of dual registration quartet Ben Hellewell, Brooke Broughton, Chris Green and Laurence Pearce for Sundays Carnegie Challenge Cup third round match against Hull Dockers, 3pm kick off at the Huntington Stadium. Their parent clubs Warrington and Hull FC do not want to cup tie the players and make them unavailable for the latter rounds which the Knights understand fully.

That will mean at least three changes to the 17 that ran Halifax close last week, with George Elliott, Kris Brining, Joe Hemmings, Adam Howard and Jack Stearman all coming into contention after impressing in the reserves last week. Thorman is likely to wait until after Friday night’s training session before finalising his line up.

The club would like to remind supporters that Sunday’s match is an all pay game so Season Ticket Holders and Vice Presidents cannot gain entry as part of their season ticket package. This rule has changed at all clubs in both the Championship and Superleague for the 2012 season and now allows only junior season ticket holders free entry, up to and including the quarter finals. Knights junior season ticket holders should use voucher A from their season ticket booklets.

Vice Presidents who wish to book a pre match meal can do so at a discounted rate of £5 by calling the office (01904 767404), but anyone wishing to do this must pre purchase a match ticket (standard admission charges apply). Also anyone who wishes to access Bar 13 before the turnstiles open at 1:30pm will need to pre purchase a match ticket. Tickets can be purchased from our Roland Court Office or by calling 01904 767404 and collected on the day but must be purchased before 12pm on Friday. Turnstiles will open at the usual time of 1:30pm.

For further information call the Knights office on 01904 767404.

Mick Ramsden

Everyone knows that a week in rugby league is a long time and a lot can change in that period of time. Having been seemingly down and out against Dewsbury after a very lacklustre effort the players worked hard in training last week and served up a much improved performance against Halifax on Sunday. They were tied at 18-18 with seconds remaining when Penkywicz crashed over the line from acting half to score the winning try and cruelly deny our team a point. We spoke in the changing room afterwards about belief that the team can compete with the big guns, and the proof had been out there on the field for all to see. The crucial things for me were the positional adjustment within the team which allowed Jordan Tansey to attack from full back and and the much improved kicking (and chasing) game which on the whole kept Halifax penned back inside their own half. Chris Thorman was outstanding working as a single pivot with Jordan Tansey and Ben Hellewell playing as second phase attack. Chris was going into the game carrying a knock and he suffered another (non-related) injury during the game which really looked like it would force him off the field but he carried on which was a courageous effort. But then again he wouldn’t have it any other way, he sets a fine example to all the others around him.

Actually the shift in performance started three days earlier last week when the reserves played a strong Sheffield Eagles side at the Huntington Stadium. As you know the reserves have been re-instated due to the number of quality players we’ve had down at training but they haven’t yet got a dedicated coach who will work with them (although there may be some news on this later in the week), and they haven’t really practiced their team structure much as the squad has been training all together on most occasions. We also had a number of injuries, illnesses and work commitments to contend with in the build up to the game which left us with only fourteen players an hour before kick off. Brett Turner was training with the first team on the field and we were forced to call on his services for the reserves which he agreed to do without question. That was a fine example of the sort off attitude we want from the players, and he had a fantastic half which earned him a place on the bench for the first team game. George Elliott was very good too, and it was probably his best game in a Knights shirt, he covered every inch of grass and obviously enjoys the captaincy role. I also have to mention Jack Stearman, Adam Howard and Joe Hemmings who all did long stints due to the lack of front row interchange players. Maybe fatigue is all in their heads because when they were forced to stay on the field they got through the work ok.

It was great to see Roger, Wendy and James Dixon in the bar after the Halifax game, we don’t see enough of them and they were obviously pleased with how the team played and how the club is being looked after now that they aren’t involved anymore. Let’s hope they can make a few more games in the future.

So Hull Dockers will visit us on Sunday and I’m sure they will want to prove a point as all the amateur teams do in the Challenge Cup. I should know, I played in that `historic’ defeat in the mid nineties when we played West Hull at the Boulevard in the worst weather conditions I ever experienced. The game was played in the middle of a snow storm in freezing conditions and I reckon most of the population of Hull were there to see it. Yes, it was the same for both teams but the game should never have been played and a few players ended up with hyperthermia afterwards! That’s probably why I’m so much in favour of Summer rugby.

Enjoy the game,

Rammo

York City Knights would like to invite your dance school, club or academy to come forward and enter the York City Knights Dance Factor competition 2012 held on the 10th May 2012 at Huntington stadium, York. The competition will start at 6.45pm before the York Knights play their live televised game against the Sheffield Eagles which kicks off at 7.30pm.

The dance competition is an open age event whereby any dance club can enter. This is a great opportunity for your club to promote themselves and showcase your talent as a club, the best dance group will win a cash prize.

All children who enter the competition will receive free entry to the game and any parents or family wishing to attend the event will be allocated reduced price tickets of £5.00 each to watch the dance showcase and Knights V Sheffield match.

To book a place in the competition please fill out the registration form below.

For further information please contact Emma Scaling on 01904 767404 or email emma@ycknights.co.uk

The club would like to remind supporters that Sunday’s Carnegie Challenge Cup third round match against Hull Dockers is an all pay game so Season Ticket Holders and Vice Presidents cannot gain entry as part of their season ticket package. This rule has changed at all clubs in both the Championship and Superleague for the 2012 season.

Vice Presidents who wish to book a pre match meal can do so at a discounted rate of £5 by calling the office (01904 767404), but anyone wishing to do this must pre purchase a match ticket (standard admission charges apply). Also anyone who wishes to access Bar 13 before the turnstiles open at 1:30pm will need to pre purchase a match ticket. Tickets can be purchased from our Roland Court office or by calling 01904 767404 and collected on the day. Tickets must be purchased before 12pm on Friday.

Junior Season Tickets Holders can gain entry free of charge using Voucher A from your Season Ticket booklets. Remember this must be removed from the booklet in the presence of the turnstile operator on entry.

For further information call the Knights office on 01904 767404.

Hospitality at York City Knights

York City Knights are offering Hospitality Boxes for our third round Carnegie Challenge Cup match against Hull Dockers on Sunday 25^th March 2012 at a fantastic rate of just £275 + VAT. Hospitality Boxes hold 10 people and include the following benefits;

-      Access to the Sponsors Lounge from 12:30pm

-      Pre Match Meal for 10 people

-      Complimentary Match Day Programmes with company accreditation

-      Tannoy Announcements

-      Signed, framed Knights team photograph

Remember Challenge Cup matches are not included as part of Season Tickets & Vice President Packages so why not club together and enjoy the match in a private, relaxed setting with friends.

Places are limited so to reserve your box call the Knights office on 01904 767404.

Mick Ramsden

The last two weeks have been a test that’s for sure, and the critics have all jumped at the chance to knock the team and coaches. That’s fine, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but one thing that really isn’t good in my book is verbally criticising players from the terrace, because that does nothing to help the team perform. Most players will say it doesn’t bother them but I don’t believe that and I would urge all you non-believers to get behind them, you never know, you may be able to say you actually did something worthwhile and pushed our team on to bigger and better things. To the vast majority of supporters, I once again thank you for your continued support and encouragement and we can assure you we are working hard to get back on form.

So we didn’t perform at Sheffield or Dewsbury and in both games we fell short defensively, with over twenty missed tackles. We’ve been working hard this week getting back to basics with plenty of contact and the players have responded well. The other area which needs urgent attention is our end of sets which we are not finishing too well. In seven out of the first twelve sets in the first half of the Dewsbury game, we didn’t finish the set on our terms and therefore didn’t really build any pressure. We spent some time watching the Dewsbury video on Tuesday and the team will learn valuable lessons from how they played which we hope they will take into future games.

Apologies for another negative paragraph but I have to mention a few facts about the injury situation which has not helped our cause recently. James Haynes is still struggling with a nerve problem and we still can’t pinpoint a return date for him. Waine Pryce is about to start his re-hab but again we can’t say how long he’s going to be until he starts work on it. We lost Ed Smith last week to a knee problem but he looks good to come back again this week, which is good because Rhys Clarke damaged his shoulder in training on Tuesday which will keep him out for a few weeks.  Paul King is still suffering with his elbow injury but we hope to get the big man back again in the next couple of weeks.

I attended Dave Gorwoods funeral yesterday which was a nice service for a great man, and it was nice to see Steve Ferres and Roger Dixon there to also pay their respects.

We have Laurence Pearce in our ranks now and I’m looking forward to seeing him play for us maybe even this week. He was very strong in the wrestling session on Tuesday and he will give us some added punch against what will be a very strong Halifax team this coming Sunday.

Cheers

Rammo

York City Knights are looking to recruit individuals on placement to gain work experience with the club and Foundation. We are looking for people who are aged 18 and over and are not currently in full or part time employment or education. The course requires the individual to dedicate 20 hours per week for three months. For every successful candidate who passes the placement they will receive a level one coaching course fully paid for.  This opportunity will be highly advantageous for individuals looking to gain some work experience, improve their skills and knowledge of the leisure industry and gain qualifications to be able to coach youngsters sport. For more information please contact Emma Scaling on 01904 767404 or email emma@ycknights.co.uk.

York City Knights Foundation and Sainsbury’s, Monks Cross, York are running a cake stall this Saturday to raise money for the community sports and physical activity programme. Please feel free to bake a cake and drop it off at Sainsbury’s Monks Cross, York with customer services. Any support is much appreciated.

Smith could return v Halifax

York City Knights Player Head Coach Chris Thorman is keen to put last week’s defeat at Dewsbury firmly behind him and says the players responded very well in training on Tuesday night ahead of Sundays match against Halifax, 3pm kick off at the Huntington Stadium. The squad took part in a video review session and after highlighting the areas that needed to be improved on started immediately on addressing things in training.

Dual registered back row Laurence Pearce could make his Knights debut after returning to training following a hand injury, while Ed Smith may also return from a minor injury which kept him out of last weekends trip to the Tetley’s Stadium. Rhys Clarke is likely to miss out with a shoulder injury and a decision on prop Paul King is expected to be left until Friday’s final training session. Thorman may also wait until after tonight’s reserves team match against Sheffield before finalising his squad.

Turnstiles open at 1:30pm but ticket holders can access Bar 13 from 12:30pm via the information point through main reception. Vice Presidents who have booked a pre match meal should arrive no later than 12:45pm.

Finally don’t forget to support the Squad Builder Fund by purchasing a pot of gold ticket and our match day magazine ‘York & Proud’ which includes the thoughts of Chris Thorman, Mick Ramsden, Ian Wilson and an interview with fans favourite Jack Stearman, amongst other things.

For further information contact the Knights office (01904 767404).

The Knights third round Carnegie Challenge Cup match against Hull Dockers will take place on Sunday 25^th March, 3pm kick off at the Huntington Stadium.

Click to Download

Special offer of the week for the York Knights v Halifax this Sunday 18th March 2012 kick off 3pm. Two Under 16′s can watch the game for £5.00. Please note more than one copy of the voucher can be printed. Click here to download

Please make sure the voucher is completed to gain entry at the turnstile. Turnstiles open from 1.30pm on Sunday.

Adam Howard

The Knights Reserve Grade are in action at the Huntington Stadium tomorrow night (Thursday) against the Sheffield Eagles, 8pm kick off. Entry to the game is free for Season Ticket Holders and Vice Presidents on production of your 2012 Season Ticket Booklet, otherwise admission is £4 (Adults) & £1 (Under 16’s). Adam Howard is set to return to the Knights line up after completing a one match suspension, while Jack Stearman will also continue his comeback from injury. Joe Hemmings is also expected to return after recovering from a sternum injury that kept him out of last weeks games. Entry to the game is through Bar 13 via main reception from 7pm.

The funeral of David Gorwood will take place on Wednesday 14^th March 2012, 10:20am at York Crematorium. We hope that Knights fans will join us in paying our respects.

It is with deep sadness that we bring the news that former York City Knights Director David Gorwood passed away early this morning following a battle with cancer. David was heavily involved with the Knights from when the club formed in 2002 and he and his family gave up hours of their own time to help. David, his wife Alison, son Toby and daughter Felicity have been Vice Presidents of the club for a number of years and very rarely missed a game, home or away. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gorwood family at this very difficult time and everyone connected with the club will have the opportunity to pay their respects to David at next Sunday’s match v Halifax.

The Knights Reserves are back in action at home this coming Thursday (8^th March) against Halifax, kicking off at 8pm. Access to the ground is from 7pm via Bar 13, through main reception, and admission is free for Season Ticket Holders and Vice Presidents on production of your 2012 Season Ticket Booklet. There will however be a collection bucket should you wish to make a donation on entry, which will go towards funding the Reserves in 2012. Admission for none Season Ticket Holders is £4 for Adults and £1 for Under 16’s.

For the Knights Jack Stearman is expected to make his first appearance of the season following an elbow injury sustained playing for Scotland in the Autumn Internationals last season.