Injured Edinburgh skipper Magnus Bradbury praises 'amazing' player who is filling leadership void

The back rowers is one of a whopping 19 first team players at the capital club who were unavailable for selection against the Sharks last weekend. Despite that, Sean Everitt’s side still managed to see off the Sharks 33-28 at the Hive in an impressive showing.

Among the more senior players who are currently out are the likes of Scotland internationals Sam Skinner, Duhan van der Merwe, Luke Crosbie, D’arcy Rae and Ben Vellacott to name just a few. However, hooker Ashman remains a consistent presence in the side and has been one of the highlights in what has been an ultimately disappointing season for Edinburgh.

‘He’s been class’ - Edinburgh forward earns praise from former Scotland captain

Bradbury was speaking about his club and country teammate with former Scotland skipper John Barclay as part of Premier Sports coverage of their match against Sharks. Asked about Ashman at half time, the 30-year old said: “Mate, Ashy’s been brilliant.

“He's just the kamikaze runner,” he joked. “Someone that runs upright as well, but you see that big lumpy forehead coming towards you and never seems to move out of the way.”

Barclay added: “He's been class, like you say, you need players like that who, against a big heavy pack, you need to front up against them.”

Bradbury continued: “Yeah, and the way the season's gone, we've lost a lot of leadership as well through injury. Ashy’s always had that leadership, people always respected him, he's always led by example, but now he's bringing boys with him through the way he communicates as well, which is what I love.

“We need more people like that that play brilliantly every weekend but then need to speak and bring young boys and bring the whole team through with them as well.”

Ashman made his 50th appearance for Edinburgh last month in their 49-31 Investec Champions Cup quarter-final defeat at the hands of Leinster in Dublin. Prior to the match, head coach Sean Everitt was also full of praise for the leadership qualities that have developed in the 29-times capped Scotland hooker.

He said: “Over the last couple of weeks, we have added him to our leadership group. He's come on in leaps and bounds. There's not many hookers in the world that are better than him when he's on his game.

“I know he didn't get any international caps for the British and Irish Lions, but he was a late call up for them. He's been outstanding for Edinburgh and accumulated 50 caps in a very short time.

“It shows the value that he adds to our group that whenever he's available, we include him in our group. Not only is he a good rugby player, he's a good person as well.”

Edinburgh’s season coming to an end with final two URC fixtures

Edinburgh now have two fixtures remaining this season, starting with a trip to Rodney Parade next Saturday where they will face the Dragons. The Welsh outfit are also languishing at the wrong end of the URC standings and have no prospect of reaching the play-offs.

Their season concludes on May 15 with the visit of Connacht to the Hive who will hope they still have a shot at sneaking into the top eight come that fixture. The Irish side currently sit ninth in the table and three points behind eighth placed Ulster.

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