It was always going to be tough for Ayr today as they take on Watsonians, the Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership leaders, but now they will be facing a supersize extra challenge in the formidable shape of Jim Hamilton, the Scotland lock, who is making his debut for the Edinburgh club.

It is a rare event for international players to be involved at club level and you would hope the supporters from both clubs will turn out in force to see what could be his only appearance in the maroon and white strip. The chance comes about thanks to changes introduced this season to allocate the full-time professionals to the Premiership clubs, and it is Watsonians' good fortune that Hamilton should be fighting his way back to fitness after a shoulder operation and needs game time.

He is clearly delighted to be back. “It doesn't matter where I play. It is all the same to me, I just enjoy playing rugby,” Hamilton said. “I'm trying to get myself fit and it should be a worthwhile experience. I've heard Ayr is a tough place to play and I'm looking forward to the challenge. Watsonians are a good club and very well organised - I trained with them on Thursday night and I was impressed with the set-up.”

Elsewhere, Selkirk look to keep up their wining start to the season as they renew their Borders rivalry with Melrose. Selkirk have Sean Crombie, the young Edinburgh hooker, making his debut, while the visitors stick to much the same squad that defeated West of Scotland last week.

Boroughmuir are anxious to get their title defence back on track at home to Glasgow Hawks, who are still looking for their first win of the season, as are Hawick, who visit Burnbrae to face West. There is the promise of fireworks at the city derby between Edinburgh Academicals and Currie, while Bob McKillop, the Heriot's coach, is looking for bragging rights as his side head for Stirling County, the club he represented as a player.