Ross Thompson focused on Edinburgh after Scotland omission

Thompson was largely used from the bench last season as he fell behind Tom Jordan in the pecking order. He made just four starts in the league all campaign, the same number he has amassed already since his move along the M8.  

And Thompson, an outstanding performer in Edinburgh’s back-to-back bonus point wins, believes a run of games has helped him settle in at his new club.  

“I think it's been really beneficial for me to get some real continuity in the last few games and get a run of games. I think with every game, both myself and as a back line, we've grown as each game's gone on.   

Ross Thompson evades the tackle of Leinster centre Garry Ringrose in round one (Image: SNS) “We've obviously had a few different combinations over the first five games. Everyone's still just getting used to it and I think both the Stormers game and the Cardiff game, everything just clicked a little bit better than the first three games.” 

Thompson’s time with Scotland meant there were only a handful of unfamiliar faces when he arrived at Hive Stadium for pre-season. The move has also seen him reunited with Ali Price, another deemed surplus to requirements at Glasgow.  

“He's a quality player, he's obviously a Test Lion,” Thompson said of his half-back colleague.  

"It's always comforting to have him there. He speaks really well, he knows the game really well. So yeah, it's brilliant to play alongside him again.” 

Both players have looked back to their best in the last couple of weeks, and Thompson said the familiarity between the two key decision-makers can be helpful.  

Ali Price was named Player of the Match in the win over Cardiff (Image: SNS)   

"It's obviously easier the more games you've had under your belt together, especially as a nine and 10,” he said.  

 “It's good to have had that previous experience in the past.”  

The success of the partnership has allowed Edinburgh’s attack – an area head coach Sean Everitt identified in pre-season as needing improvement this campaign – to flourish in their two league wins.  

Thompson is enjoying being at the heart of Edinburgh’s rejuvenated attack.  

“We've definitely put a bit more of an emphasis on trying to move the ball a little bit and I think when we do it, we do it really well,” he said.  

“We maybe just weren't pulling the trigger as much as we should have in the first few games. But when we do it, where it works well, we've got so many good players out on the width so it would be a shame not to get the ball as often as possible.” 

The increase in attacking intent was evident in the Cardiff win when Thompson kicked a lovely cross-field kick to Darcy Graham deep inside his own half.  

Ross Thompson has helped expand Edinburgh's attack this season (Image: SNS) “It was on to begin with and then it closed down a little bit more and more but thankfully Darcy is pretty good at that sort of thing,” the fly-half recounted.  

“He's been screaming for it the last few weeks so I'm glad I managed to get one to him.” 

Thompson, and Edinburgh, will hope to continue their good run of form when they visit Bridgend on Saturday to take on an Ospreys side who are currently bottom of the United Rugby Championship table.