Grant Gilchrist extends Edinburgh contract

SCOTLAND lock Grant Gilchrist has signed a one-year extension to his contract and will remain at Edinburgh until May 2017.

Grant Gilchrist has committed himself to another season with Edinburgh

The 25-year-old is currently sidelined with a broken arm and won’t return this season but has committed himself to the club he has spent his whole career at for next term.

Gilchrist had been linked with a move to French giants Toulon before the latest setback in a luckless couple of years. After missing most of the 2014-15 season with a broken arm, the Alloa man battled back to make the Scotland World Cup squad before breaking down in the pool game against the United States in Leeds.

That groin injury subsequently needed surgery and then he suffered a fresh arm break on his comeback in February but Gilchrist is looking forward to getting back for Edinburgh, for whom he has made 77 appearances, as soon as possible.

He said: “I’m delighted to be staying and really excited about next season.

“This is the club I have grown up with. I came through the academy here and I’ve now been part of the first team for over five years.

“The last couple of years have been a frustration for me but I’m looking forward to being fully fit for pre-season.”

Edinburgh coach Alan Solomons said: “It is fantastic news for the club that Gilco [Gilchrist] has extended his stay with us.

“He is a top flight player with International experience who adds huge value both on and off the field.

“He is a great bloke and a very good leader who, I believe, has a major role to play in the future of the club.

“Personally, I thoroughly enjoy working with Gilco and am chuffed that he will be with us as we continue to develop the club.”