Scotland hooker Dave Cherry to stay in Edinburgh

Scotland hooker Dave Cherry has signed a two-year extension with Edinburgh days after being named in Gregor Townsend’s Guinness Six Nations squad.

The 32-year-old has made 63 appearances for Edinburgh and scored his seventh try for the club during Sunday’s Heineken Champions Cup victory against Castres.

The former London Scottish and Stade Nicois forward said: “Edinburgh is home for me and my fiancee, so I’m absolutely thrilled to extend terms with a club that means so much to me.

“I’m really enjoying my rugby at the moment and I think that has shown in my performances in the last few years.

“I love being part of this squad. We have a such a tightknit group of guys who all play with the same mentality and desire to win.

“I really believe this team can achieve something special and it will be a brilliant occasion taking on Saracens at DAM Health Stadium this Sunday. It’s a match that everyone connected to the club can’t wait for.”

Head coach Mike Blair, whose team will guarantee a home quarter-final if they secure a bonus-point victory on Sunday, said: “Dave is a real leader for us and someone that is hugely respected around the club because of his commitment to the jersey – he loves representing the city and when he speaks, players stand up and take notice.

“Dave is a quality operator with a tough edge to his game. We’ve been really impressed by his performances for club and country and were delighted to see him named in Scotland’s Six Nations squad earlier this week.”