In something of a surprise to the world at large who were all but resigned to Grant Gilchrist heading off to France, Edinburgh Rugby today confirmed that the lock and erstwhile Scotland captain has committed to the capital club until the end of May 2017.
Gilchrist represented Scotland throughout the age grades and was a recipient of the Macphail Scholarship to New Zealand. He made his full Scotland debut in the 2013 RBS 6 Nations and led his country during the 2014 summer tour. Just after Vern Cotter joined the fray and named him as Scotland captain his career has been blighted by injury, the latest a broken arm just a few games into a comeback from the groin injury that ended his World Cup.
The cynic might ask: did Toulon baulk at medical bills? But it’s great news for Alan Solomons and Edinburgh. His aim will be to return fully fit for pre-season later in the year and restore some much needed depth to Edinburgh and Scotland’s second row department.