Highland set to start season without injured trio
HIGHLAND are facing an injury problem in their back row as they are set to start the campaign at Gala tomorrow without several established first team players.
Gordon Gregor is out for six weeks with a dislocated shoulder, Calum MacPherson is also out with a hamstring injury meaning four to six weeks out and Callum Carson dislocated his elbow and is out for the rest of 2024.
However, the Inverness club have secured the services of Ruaridh Knott, who has returned to the club after previously playing in the Super Six with Stirling.
Head coach Dave Carson says it is a blow to lose three players of such quality in his back row, but is pleased to secure the services of Knott.
“It is a big boost to secure Ruaridh who is from Invermoriston and has come back after playing in the Super Six,” he said.
“He is a big strong ball carrier, who has experience of playing at a high level, so he will bring a lot to the table.”
Scottish Rugby disbanded the Super Six last season which has left players from those clubs finding new teams in the Premiership and National One
Carson says it will make National One even tougher than before, but is confident they can still have a successful campaign.
He said“If we finish where we finished last season we would be delighted, but we know that it will be tougher.
“Looking at the league now with the restructure and three teams going down and the two Super Six teams coming in, it will be a tough season. I don’t think there will be an easy fixture and what the Super Six teams will bring to the table.
“Obviously there are a lot of Super Six players who have moved to clubs in the Borders, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Everyone could be set to become a bit stronger.
“From the Premiership down to League One it is going to have a massive impact. It will need a season for everyone to find their level.
“We look forward to the challenge, with three going down, we need to win our home games and pick up things on the road as well.”
