After turning in a Man of the Match performance for Edinburgh against Cardiff and with Gregor Townsend due to name his squad for the Autumn Nations Series this week, Ali Price insisted his focus remains on playing well for Edinburgh.  

Price was so often Townsend’s go-to man in the number nine jersey but has fallen down the national team pecking order over the last couple of years, with Ben White and George Horne the front-runners to start there next month.  

And while Price did his chances of earning selection no harm in Edinburgh’s 27-8 win over Cardiff on Saturday night, he said he’s focusing on playing well for the club he joined almost a year ago.  

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“I guess in the last year or so I’ve just looked to enjoy what I’m doing.  

“I’m really enjoying the environment I’m in, I’m enjoying being out on the pitch and it’s good to see us playing some rugby that is good to watch but also to be involved in.  

“And in the last couple of weeks we’re starting to see some rewards for that. 

“Personally, I’m really pleased to have put in a performance and also to contribute towards the team turning the page and showing what we’re all about.” 

Price then revealed he caught up with Townsend earlier this month and while he did not go into the specifics of the conversation, he did offer some insight.  

Price said he met with Gregor Townsend recentlyPrice said he met with Gregor Townsend recently (Image: SNS) Price said: “I caught up with him a couple of weeks ago, just to chat. I obviously hadn’t spoken to him throughout the summer, what with the tour and all the rest of it, and it was a good conversation.  

“I’m in a good place and I’m enjoying what I’m doing and the rest of it is out of my control.”  

Looking at Edinburgh’s second successive bonus point win in the United Rugby Championship, Price echoed coach Sean Everitt’s view that Edinburgh showed great patience to break down a stubborn Cardiff side.  

“I’m pleased with how we came through that in the end and got out of it what we went into it for,” he said.   

“There was a little bit of frustration at half-time. We had pounded the door, done a lot of good things and it maybe wasn’t reflected on the scoreboard.  

“Credit to Cardiff, they defended really well in the first half. So there were elements of frustration, especially around our discipline, but to get that kind of foot on the throat mentality in the second half and, in the end, come away with what we were after, was pleasing.” 

Another positive aspect of Edinburgh’s performances over the last fortnight has been the partnership between Price and Ross Thompson, the pair reunited at the eastern end of the M8 after playing together for Glasgow.  

Ali Price has been in excellent form in Edinburgh's two wins this seasonAli Price has been in excellent form in Edinburgh's two wins this season (Image: SNS)

Price added: “Ross has come in and done really well.

"We had a tough start and I know a lot of people have mentioned it, but we did have a tough start and it takes a couple of weeks to maybe find your feet, especially against tough opposition. 

“But I think you can start to see what we were all about now. We’ve got an edge to us and it’s about getting the ball into our dangerous players but also playing in the right areas and I think Ross has been brilliant at that. 

“He’s done really well and it’s good to have him as part of the squad.”