‘Unwavering’ Gilchrist signs up for 15th season

The double centurion lock – who made his professional debut against Cardiff Rugby in 2011 to become Edinburgh player #1143 – came through the ranks at Alloa RFC and Stirling County and has since cemented his place as one of the club’s greatest players.

Gilchrist was once again appointed as co-captain at the start of the current season alongside Ben Vellacott, marking his sixth year in a leadership role for the club.

He has previously captained or co-captained the team in five separate seasons (16/17, 20/21, 21/22, 22/23, 23/24), demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the capital club.

On penning a new deal, Gilchrist said: “Pulling on the Edinburgh jersey for the first time was one of my greatest achievements, and continues to be an honour season on season, so to extend my time here for another year fills me with immense pride.

“Being a one-club man is something I cherish deeply. I still feel like I have so much more to give to this club, and the thought of helping lead this team to a winning moment would be the proudest moment of my career.

“We have a huge finish to the season ahead in both the EPCR Challenge Cup and the URC, and I’m more determined than ever to achieve something special with this group of players and staff. Retirement isn’t on my mind; I still feel I have unfinished business here at Edinburgh.”

Gilchrist is already a double centurion at the capital club.

Last season, Gilchrist reached a significant milestone, making his 200th appearance for Edinburgh against Hollywoodbets Sharks in the EPCR Challenge Cup Quarter-Final.

He became only the fourth player in the club’s history to achieve this feat, joining club legends Allan Jacobsen, Chris Paterson and WP Nel in the double centurion club.

In the BKT United Rugby Championship (URC), Gilchrist is in esteemed company, with only two other locks having played more than 15 seasons for a single team – Devin Toner (17 seasons with Leinster) and Alun Wyn Jones (19 seasons with Ospreys).

Showing no signs of slowing down, Gilchrist has also returned to scoring form this season, grabbing his first tries since the 2017/18 season with back-to-back scores against the Emirates Lions and DHL Stormers earlier in the campaign.

The 34-year-old has also enjoyed a strong international season, featuring in all five of Scotland’s Guinness Six Nations fixtures earlier this year and starting in three of the Autumn Nations Series Tests in November against Fiji, Australia, and South Africa.

So far this season, Gilchrist has been a consistent presence in the Edinburgh Rugby squad, featuring in nine games, starting every fixture and contributing two tries.

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Sean Everitt added: “Grant [Gilchrist] is the epitome of a one-club man, and his unwavering commitment to Edinburgh Rugby is inspiring.

“He never fails to give his absolute best for his boyhood club, both on and off the field. Grant is a true leader of men, and his desire to achieve something special with Edinburgh is infectious.

“It’s brilliant news to retain a player of Grant’s calibre, who continues to perform at the very top of his game. His experience and leadership are invaluable to our squad, and we are delighted to have him with us for another season.”