WP Nel returns to lift Edinburgh Rugby

The Gunners take on Harlequins this afternoon.

Published 14th Jan 2017

WP Nel is set to hand Scotland an RBS 6 Nations boost as he prepares to make his return for Edinburgh against Harlequins this afternoon.

The Dark Blues prop has been out of action with a neck injury since October but returns to action at Twickenham Stoop.

He will have the European Challenge Cup clash with Quins, plus next week's match against Timisoara Saracens, to prove his fitness before Vern Cotter names his squad for the Scots' opening championship clash with Ireland on February 4.

Edinburgh trail the Londoners at the top of Pool 5 by two points and victory this weekend would hand them a golden chance to secure a quarter-final slot.

Acting head coach Duncan Hodge said: There's a lot at stake for both sides tomorrow, which makes for an exciting tie.

Harlequins' home record speaks for itself, and we have no doubt about the size of task ahead, but there is a good buzz in camp and a belief that we can go down to London and do what is required of us.

The last match between the two sides was an open, fluid and attack-focused affair but we're two months down the line and conditions could play a big part in the return leg.

We've named a fairly consistent squad with a lot of players meriting re-selection off the back of a good win away to Zebre. We hope those coming in bring their experience to the fore in tomorrow's match.''