Laidlaw agrees new Edinburgh deal

Greig Laidlaw agrees new deal

Greig Laidlaw says he is looking forward to challenging Mike Blair for Edinburgh’s number nine jersey after agreeing a new two year contract with the club.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a productive season so far and has recorded 11 starts including a man-of-the-match display against Stade Francais in the Heineken Cup.

Now Laidlaw says he is aiming to help Edinburgh reach the Magners League Grand Final in May and competing with captain Blair to be the team’s first choice scrum half.

Laidlaw said: “I’m very happy to be signing for another two years. First and foremost, I want to help the team reach the play-offs and challenge for the title.

“Another target is that I want to keep my place in the Edinburgh side. Mike has just signed a new contract as well, so I’m looking forward to the battle.

“I’ve been delighted with how this season has gone so far. I think I’ve developed massively as a player this year.

“I’ve really enjoyed my rugby and I think that has shown on the pitch. I’ve been pleased with some of the performances I’ve put in and long may that continue.”

Laidlaw, formerly with Jed-Forest, made his debut for Edinburgh against Leinster in September 2006 and has since recorded 53 appearances for the team.

Head coach Rob Moffat welcomed the news and believes Laidlaw will provide him with a recurring selection dilemma regarding who he should select at scrum half.

Moffat said: “I think Greig has really stepped up. He has played a lot more rugby for us this season and he deserves everything he has received.

“I thought Greig was outstanding against Stade Francais in our last game and we are delighted with the way he has progressed and that is largely down to the way he applies himself; hopefully that improvement will continue.

“The fact that we have players of the quality of both Greig and Mike (Blair) competing for one spot shows our squad has some depth.

“Ideally we are looking for that that level of competition for one position throughout the squad – that helps everybody’s game.

“Mike is captain and he has been very respectful towards how well Greig has been playing this season; it is a good selection problem to have.”