'Adapting' Hidalgo-Clyne checks in at seventh club in four years
Well-travelled Scotland scrum-half Sam Hidalgo-Clyne has revealed first impressions of his new life in Italy, the soon-to-be 29-year-old explaining that the heat has been his biggest obstacle so far since joining Benetton. Last capped in December 2020, the half-back is preparing to play for his seventh club in four years in five different countries.
Hidalgo-Clyne spent five seasons at Edinburgh making a name for himself but he has since adopted a ‘have boots, will travel’ attitude that has taken him from club rugby in Scotland to Wales and on to two separate stints in England and another two in France.
Scarlets was his first port of call followed by Harlequins, Racing, Lyon and Exeter and it was last February when it was confirmed that he would be exiting the Chiefs – whom he debuted for in August 2020 – to take up a three-year deal at Benetton.
Hidalgo-Clyne is now into the second week of his latest adventure and has shared his initial thoughts about the set-up at Benetton ahead of a URC season that will begin on September 17 with a home match in Treviso against Glasgow Warriors, who announced on Tuesday that ex-Italy boss Franco Smith will succeed Danny Wilson as their head coach.
“These first few weeks are very good and I’m trying to get to know the city well,” explained Hildago-Clyne about his settling-in period at Benetton. “The group of teammates welcomed me and immediately are making me feel a special closeness, so I’m settling in very well.
“Clearly there were fewer players (training) in the first week, but since this Monday all the players from the national team are back. I’m having fun, even though it’s very hot here in Treviso and I’m trying to adapt to the climate. My main goal is to bring my experience accumulated in recent years to the team, helping the younger players.
“We are an ambitious and talented team. I want to contribute by pushing the team towards the established goals. I try to offer a fast game, I also like foot play. Being quick and looking for empty corners of the pitch with my foot, putting pressure on the opponents. So do the simple things well and try to play instinctively as much as possible.”
Hidalgo-Clyne arrived at Benetton having previously worked with a pair of their new coaches. “I already knew two coaches,” he added. “I’m talking about Callum McRae, the defence coach. I worked with him for a couple of years in Edinburgh. And Julian Salvi, the breakdown coach, who has known me since Exeter.”
He also already knew Tiziano PasqualiIi having attended Merchiston Castle School with the Italian prop as a teenager. “I already knew Tiziano, who is helping me to join the group and in these first weeks he accompanied me to see new places in the city, together with other Benetton guys.”
Comments on RugbyPass
100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
8 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
12 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
8 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
8 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
12 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
12 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
8 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
12 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
12 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
7 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
7 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
12 Go to comments