Stuart McInally to lead Edinburgh in 2018/19 season

Edinburgh have named Scotland international Stuart McInally as the captain for the 2018/19 season.

McInally made his professional rugby debut with Edinburgh in 2009 and has racked up over 100 appearances for the Murrayfield Stadium outfit. This will also be his second stint at captaincy after previously selected as co-captain to Grant Gilchrist during the 2016/17 season.

“It was great moment and I was really happy when Cockers [Head Coach Richard Cockerill] asked me to do it," said McInally, who recently signed a two-year contract extension with the club.

“I captained the team at times last year when Fraser McKenzie wasn’t playing and it’s a role I’ve taken on before through age-grades sides. The club is in a great place and I can really focus on playing – which will be a big part of leading this year.

“When I first joined Edinburgh, Roddy Grant was captain, so it’s great that he’s still here in a coaching capacity.

"I’ve played in teams where Ross Ford has captained the side; in Scotland teams where John Barclay has and Grant Gilchrist too – so I’ve got a whole host of experienced leaders around me. I’ve learned a lot from those guys and the way you conduct yourself.

Leadership to me is about working really hard and you hope that rubs off on others.”

McInally has played 18 Tests for Scotland since his debut in August 2015 and has scored four tries in it.

Edinburgh will face Ospreys at Liberty Stadium in the Pro14 season opener on 1st September.