MIKE BLAIR'S success in captaining Scotland to Calcutta Cup glory and a first Test win in Argentina today earned him the role with Edinburgh Rugby in 2008-09.
Just four days into pre-season training coach Andy Robinson re-shuffled the leadership structure with scrum half Blair taking over from international flanker Ally Hogg.
Overall club captaincy, which includes representing Edinburgh off the pitch,
is retained by Simon Cross.
Coach Robinson, who accompanied Scotland to South America where he was in charge of forward play, admits he was influenced by the way Blair grew into the captaincy with Scotland.
Robinson said: "Mike has done a very good job as captain of Scotland and it is an opportunity for him to build on that.
"He has been an outstanding player for Edinburgh and he has performed well whenever he has led the side.
"The key factor behind every successful team is that you need leaders all over the pitch and that is something we are developing.
"During Scotland's win in Argentina, Mike was captain and Ally was vice-captain and that combination worked well. Mike, Ally and Simon are all improving as leaders and that aspect is very pleasing." And Blair insists Hogg will still have a key role to play in on-field decision making, remarking: "During the tour in Argentina with Scotland, Hoggy was pack leader and I thought he did an outstanding job there. I really enjoyed working with him in that sense.
"Hopefully we can continue working well together for Edinburgh while drawing on the experience of the other senior players within the squad.
"We've all got our different roles that we are in charge of and there are other players within the squad who have got to lead as well."
Hogg admits he did not want to relinquish his captain's duties but endorses the decision.
"Naturally I'm disappointed not to be captain for next season but I fully support the decision and I will back Mike all the way.
"Mike has been a good captain for Scotland and I will still have a big role to play as vice-captain and I'm looking forward to still having an influence on the team."
Cross said: "When I was appointed club captain last summer it was the highlight of my career so far and I'm delighted that Andy has asked me to continue."
The full article contains 403 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
