EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS REVEALS

Philip set for Capital comeback
BILL LOTHIAN

FORMER Scotland and Hawks centre Tom Philip is on the brink of a shock comeback after returning to training with Edinburgh Rugby.

The five-times capped star - he played throughout the 2004 Six Nations Championship before being laid low by a back injury requiring extensive surgery - says the next step will be to have a run with Edinburgh Accies with a view to resuming his professional career, aged 24.

An impending Philip return is good news for Scotland as he has been missed since bowing out following a game against the Barbarians.

And, although he is determined to tread warily, it was noticeable how much he was relishing the physical aspect of an Edinburgh training stint at Dreghorn army barracks yesterday after which he said: "The next stage will be to play for Accies although I am not sure exactly when that will be.

"I'm picking up the odd knock but that is all part of getting back into the swing of things.

"When Edinburgh said I'd be welcome to join them for a run out I was delighted because it has been a tough couple of years but I am back taking contact training.

"I'd rather be working with the boys than stuck on my own training and I'll be guided all the way by medics."

A sign of Philip's wholehearted commitment was the smidgeon of blood around his nose as he added: "I've tried to keep myself in good shape partly through assisting with coaching at Accies and that insight is something I can benefit from when I do return."

Interim Edinburgh coach Henry Edwards said: "It's been excellent for us to have Tom here helping out with our preparations as he tries to get back.

"He is another experienced head to have around."

This article was posted on 19-Sep-2007, 11:18 by Hugh Barrow.