Test rookie Dylan Richardson to make Scotland move

Edinburgh have lined up a move for South African-born Scotland international hooker Dylan Richardson as a replacement for veteran Dave Cherry, who has been linked with a move to France.

Richardson, 26, who can also play on either side of the back row, joined the Sharks straight from Kearsney College and hopes a switch to the Scottish capital will boost his international prospects. He won the last of his six caps against Australia in November and was forced to pull out of Gregor Townsend’s Six Nations plans in January due to a shoulder injury.

The former South Africa Schools and Under-20 international, who stands at 6ft 1in and weighs 110kg, qualifies for Scotland through his father, Neil, who was born in Edinburgh. He has made nine appearances for the Sharks this season.

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Boks Office select a Southern Hemisphere XV | RPTV

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He says he grew up watching Scotland in the Six Nations with his father and told RugbyPass that playing for Scotland is the best thing he has done. “I obviously thought maybe I could play national rugby for South Africa. Having Scottish citizenship, it came to a point where it was my choice. Scotland were always looking at and talking to me from a young age.

“I realised then, and still 100% believe it now: they backed me. They came to me and said, ‘This is the opportunity we have for you’. It was completely my choice.

“It’s been the best thing I’ve ever done, and all I want to do is go and play in the Six Nations. It is my ultimate goal, so my dad can be there and see it,” said Richardson.

Richardson could head to Edinburgh after the Sharks handed a contract extension to rising hooker Ethan Bester. He is set to compete with Fez Mbatha as the long-term successor to Bongi Mbonambi.