Edinburgh prop backed for Rugby World Cup chance: 'ball's in his court'

Ollie Blyth-Lafferty has been backed to force his way into Gregor Townsend’s World Cup plans if he can continue to progress at his current rate.

The prop enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season, making 14 appearances for Edinburgh, including starts in their four European Champions Cup pool stage matches against Toulon, Castres, Gloucester and Bath.

Blyth-Lafferty, 20, has been selected to face the Stormers on Friday in Edinburgh’s first home game of the new United Rugby Championship season where he will anchor the scrum alongside Pierre Schoeman and Harri Morris in the front row.

Ollie Blyth-Lafferty during an Edinburgh Rugby training session at Hive Stadium. | SNS Group

It is a big vote of confidence from Sean Everitt, his coach, who believes the young tighthead has the power and technique to take on the South African heavyweights.

“We brought him in for that very reason,” said Everitt. “He did well against Toulon last year and he did well against the teams [who are big] up front. He’s played against [other South African sides] the Sharks and he played against the Bulls, so he’s got that experience now.

Ball’s in his court

“It’s an opportunity for him to step up and do really well in the shirt going forward, and that’s important for us.

“We feel that with Harri [Morris], who played well last week, and with Pierre in the front-row to help him, that he’ll get the job done for us.”

The World Cup begins in Australia one year from now and Everitt believes Blyth-Lafferty could push himself into contention over the next 12 months.

Gregor and his team are working with Ollie

“I think in that position, definitely,” said Everitt. “The ball lies in his court. Obviously, we’re helping him during the week.

“I know that Gregor and the coaching team are also working with Ollie. We all know the potential that he has. He’s still very young as a tighthead.

“The growth that he gets and the opportunities that he gets over the next five weeks are going to be really beneficial to him. He has made big improvements as well over the last year.

“Twelve months is a long time in rugby. I certainly think that he would be in their discussions.”

Everitt added that the player’s attitude was first class.

“A feather in his cap is that he acknowledges where he needs to improve,” said the coach. “Sometimes players are reluctant to take advice and understand where they are in the pecking order. He’s certainly shown maturity with regards to that.

“He takes the criticism, or the work-ons, on board and he sticks to task. Once again, when you acknowledge what you need to do, you are halfway there to succeeding.”

Want more stories like this? Subscribe to our newsletter here.