Club centurion and 18-times capped Scotland international hooker, Stuart McInally, has been named as Edinburgh captain for the 2018/19 season.
The 28-year-old Edinburgh native, who this summer skippered Scotland’s tour to the Americas, becomes the club’s 22nd captain in the professional era. It will be McInally’s second stint in the position after being selected as co-captain alongside Grant Gilchrist prior to the 2016/17 season.
A first choice for both club and country, McInally was rewarded for his fine form during the 2017/18 season with a nomination for the Guinness PRO14 Dream Team.
McInally signed a two-year contract extension with the club last November, keeping him in the capital until at least 2020 – a year which would mark a decade with his hometown club.
On being named captain, McInally said: “It was great moment and I was really happy when Cockers [Head Coach Richard Cockerill] asked me to do it.
“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.”
Head coach Richard Cockerill added: “Stuart has been in fantastic form for both club and country, and the respect he commands across the squad is a testament to his hard work and ambition.
“He’s an Edinburgh man and he’s hugely passionate about this club. I’ve got every faith that Stuart will be do a great job in leading this team.”