Glasgow Warriors v Edinburgh: Grant Gilchrist could face his cousin in 1872 Cup clash

After two false starts, Grant Gilchrist is just glad he can make his comeback for Edinburgh on Saturday.

Grant Gilchrist is back in the Edinburgh side after a groin injury. Picture: Bill Murray/SNS

The Scotland lock has been out since October with a groin injury and was due to return against Glasgow Warriors last Friday until it became clear during the warm-up that parts of the Scotstoun pitch were frozen and dangerous.

He then turned his attention to this weekend’s Champions Cup game against Sale. But Gilchrist’s frustration was compounded when the European tournaments were suspended amid French fears over the spread of coronavirus.

But the Guinness Pro14 and 1872 Cup contest with Glasgow was soon rearranged in its place, giving Gilchrist the chance to get back into action at Scotstoun.

“Thankfully there is an opportunity to play,” the 30-year-old said.

“It would have been a real disappointment for me personally. We have games frozen off, we have games cancelled but I am glad we are getting to catch up with games missed.

“It is an important time to come back and exciting to come back to a derby and I love playing in these games. Exciting times.”

There is also the possibility of Gilchrist going up against his cousin, Sean Kennedy, for the first time.

The scrum-half has just signed a new deal with the Warriors and Gilchrist said: “I am delighted he has picked up another contract at Glasgow as he has played well for them. It is great he is staying in professional rugby and he will be an invaluable player for them.

"We played together at Edinburgh, Stirling and Alloa and he’s been at Glasgow since I’ve been here but was never involved in those derbies.”

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