Magners League

Edinburgh flank Roddy Grant is relishing the task of captaining the Magners League side this season and repaying the faith that the coaching staff has shown in him.

The 23-year-old is one of the brightest talents in Scottish rugby and his leadership skills have impressed coach Rob Moffat to such an extent, that he believes the youngster has the mettle to skipper the side.

After just one season at the club, the Scotland sevens ace's impact was apparent when he won the Players' Player of the year award together with the Young Player of the year.

"This is a proud day and a massively exciting opportunity for me. It's an honour just to be an Edinburgh player, so to be named captain is one of the best things that's ever happened to me," Grant told The Scotsman.

"I'm going to work as hard as I possibly can to make a success of the job and to ensure the team has a great season. All the ingredients are there for that to happen."

Grant takes over the leadership from scrumhalf Mike Blair, who has offered his backing to the young openside tearaway.

"I'm grateful to Mike for wishing me luck in the role and I'm looking forward to having his support going forward," Grant added.

"I'm confident I have the respect of my team-mates and will be doing everything I can to justify the faith that the coaches have shown in me."

Moffat is full of praise for the red-haired star who was part of the successful Scotland A squad on their mid-year tour.

"Everything we've seen from Roddy since he came into the Edinburgh fold has shown him to be a mature and confident rugby player who can handle anything that's thrown at him," Moffat said.