EDINBURGH RUGBY have named Grant Gilchrist and Stuart McInally as co-captains for the 2016/17 season.
The Pro 12 club announced on Tuesday that the two Scotland internationals would share the responsibility, following the example of Glasgow Warriors who appointed both Johnny Gray and Henry Pyrgos to the role.
Head coach Alan Solomons has opted to make the two 26-year-olds joint captains, as both players have previous experience leading the capital club.
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Hooker McInally, who began his career in the back row, has nine caps for his country while academy product Gilchrist has captained Scotland twice in 12 appearances.
The two forwards helped Edinburgh to a ninth-place league finish last season.
"It’s a huge honour and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead alongside Grant," said McInally.
"Captaincy is something that I’ve done throughout the age grade ranks, so it sits very comfortably with me. We’ve got a great group of players here, who are all focused on driving the club forward this season”
Gilchrist said: “I’m very proud to be given the opportunity to captain Edinburgh alongside Stuart, and I’m personally looking forward to being back playing rugby in the Edinburgh jersey. There is a good feeling in the squad here, and all the players are excited about the season ahead”
Coach Solomons explained his decision to split the responsibility between two of his players, pointing to different styles of leadership.
“At this stage of the club’s development, with the players needing to assume responsibility for their performance, the situation is ideal for a co-captaincy," he said.
"This is underscored by the fact that in Grant Gilchrist and Stuart McInally we have two established Scottish international players who are both excellent leaders on and off the field. They also complement each other very well in their styles.”
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