Edinburgh: Grant Gilchrist signs new contract until 2016

Lock forward Grant Gilchrist has signed a new contract to stay with Edinburgh until 2016.

The Scotland international has been with the Pro12 side since 2011 and won the first of his four caps last year.

"I'm absolutely delighted to sign on here again," Gilchrist told the Edinburgh website. "It was an easy decision to make.

"I think we're heading in the right direction with the right personnel in place to ensure that continues."

And he added: "This is where I started my professional rugby career and I certainly see no need to look elsewhere.

"It's a big ambition of mine to force my way into the Scotland squad. I don't think I'm there yet by any means but Edinburgh Rugby is where I think I'll perform at my best.

"I like to think that I'm always progressing, week on week, month on month.

"Being here is going to make me a better player, and has made me a better player already."

Head coach Alan Solomons described news of Gilchrist's new deal as "absolutely fantastic".

"Gilcho is an outstanding young player," said the South African. "I think he is going to go on and play many, many Test matches for Scotland.

"It's great to have another Scottish international come through like this and I think it's massively important that he stays here with us at Edinburgh Rugby."