United Rugby Championship: Edinburgh wing Damien Hoyland welcomes addition of South African teams

David Skippers

Edinburgh's Damien Hoyland celebrates scoring their side's third try of the game during the United Rugby Championship match at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. Picture date: Saturday May 21, 2022.

Edinburgh wing Damien Hoyland has welcomed the addition of the South African teams to the United Rugby Championship and described it as a “great” development for the tournament.

The Bulls, Stormers, Sharks and Lions all joined the competition during the 2021/22 season and made a sudden impact with the Stormers being crowned champions in the inaugural campaign after beating their arch rivals, the Bulls in the play-off final in June.

Preparing to face the champions

Edinburgh are currently in South Africa where they are preparing to face the Stormers in Cape Town this Saturday after suffering a narrow 33-31 loss to the Bulls in Pretoria last weekend.

“The South African teams coming into the league has been great,” said Hoyland.

“It’s made the competition way more competitive. Coming out to some of these places, like the Loftus Stadium last weekend, is something you dream of. Getting to play there, in such an iconic stadium, was epic.

“It certainly adds to the motivation. Whenever we play against a South African team, we know it’s an opportunity to play against some of the best guys in the world.

“I feel it’s brought out the best in us and we’re excited for the challenge again this weekend.”

Despite that loss to the Bulls, Edinburgh have made a bright start to their 2022/23 URC season and have already scored 75 points across their opening two matches, after cruising to 44-6 triumph over the Dragons in their tournament opener.

“We create a lot of opportunities,” said Hoyland. “We’ve started off with an exciting brand of rugby and I’m thoroughly enjoying being part of that.

“We’re extremely confident we can do very well this season. We’ve got the game-plan and the players, so we’re just really excited to see where we end up.”

Eyeing improvement

Scotland international Hoyland believes there is room for improvement in his game.

“I feel I got into good form towards the end of last season but if I’m being honest I’ve probably not started as well as I’d have liked,” he said.

“Mainly, I just want to get the ball in my hands more often.

“The last few games I’ve not had as many touches as I’d have liked so that’s something to work on. I’m feeling good when I do have the ball in my hands. I’m just looking to improve my performance whenever I get the opportunity.”

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