Rugby: Visser says Edinburgh looking to Europe to prove worth

Edinburgh RUGBY’S Tim Visser has revealed his side are men on a mission with their Heineken European Cup qualification bid carrying added importance.

Interviewed last night the winger, fresh from scoring his 11th try of the season in a 19-12 home win over Cardiff which puts Edinburgh top of their pool with two games remaining, Visser was asked about the subject of both Scottish teams entering the tournament automatically.

It was an indication, perhaps, that vultures are circling and Visser said: “We need to show we deserve a place in Europe. This season shows we can be competitive.

“The big difference ... our pack. Guys like David Denton and Netani Talei make our game plan more sustainable.”

Asked about any possible expansion of the Scottish professional game, Visser said: “It is a small player base but it means a lot of control of players centrally contracted, There are no issues of release of players for international duty.

On Edinburgh’s campaign, he said: “It’s not an amazing season but hopefully we are making up for it in the Heineken Cup.”