Damien Hoyland to make final home appearance for Edinburgh from start

Damien Hoyland has been handed a farewell start for Edinburgh in their final home match of the season.

The winger will make his 105th appearance for the club in Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship fixture against Ospreys, eight days after it was announced he would be leaving at the end of the season.

Scrum-half Henry Pyrgos could also get the chance of a final appearance at the DAM Health Stadium off the bench.

Head coach Mike Blair is also preparing for his final home game in charge after his recent decision to step down in order to focus on becoming a specialist attack coach.

“This is a massive game for both our players and the fans,” said Blair, whose team are 14th in the URC standings.

“The results haven’t gone our way, but we’ve been working especially hard in training to change this around and we want to put in a display that will make the Edinburgh supporters proud.

“There are guys playing their final home game for the club, while there are also guys who’ll be keen to show what they’re about ahead of a big summer of rugby.

“Every player pulling on the jersey will be motivated for what is a really important match for the club.”

Lock Marshall Sykes starts after Grant Gilchrist was ruled out with a foot injury, while Jack Blain and Luke Crosbie are also unavailable.