Solomons counts cost of Edinburgh victory

The 25-17 win over Lyon at BT Murrayfield kept Edinburgh at the top of Pool Four, but it came at a cost as five players had to be withdrawn in the first half-hour including Scotland captain Grant Gilchrist.

Gilchrist was named as skipper for the autumn international series earlier this week, but has now been ruled out after being stretchered off following a challenge with Sitaleki Timani.

And Solomons confirmed the 24-year-old lock's condition was being reviewed by a specialist.

"It looks as if there are hairline fractures in both bones in the forearm," he told BBC Scotland. "We'll have to wait for the full medical report for a clearer picture."

Scotland head coach Vern Cotter added: "Clearly this is really disappointing news for Grant, who's been a fine player and leader for his club this season; and was set to continue that role for Scotland this autumn.

"Despite being unable to play, he will still join and be part of the squad in camp on Sunday, and feature heavily in our preparations for the autumn Tests."

Gilchrist was not Edinburgh's only casualty as Hamish Watson broke his jaw, Roddy Grant suffered a compressed cheekbone, Phil Burleigh injured his knee and Sam Beard took a knock to the head.

But Solomons hailed the effort shown by the rest of his players to come through the game with the victory.

"We've always had tremendous morale and team spirit, and in the last six weeks we have come together so strongly as a squad," he said.

"I thought last week was incredible, but this tops it in some ways, because in 37 years of coaching I have never seen anything like it - we lost two players after the captain's practice, we had five guys already out with injury and we lost another five.

"That speaks volumes for the strength in depth and the character of the side, which was beyond question."

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