Cross signs new Edinburgh deal

As a result of his military background, the Scotland Sevens internationalist was born in Mauritius and lived in Germany, Cyprus and England before swapping London Wasps for Edinburgh in 2002.

Now the 27-year-old flanker is aiming to celebrate his new deal by helping Edinburgh defeat Glasgow Warriors in the 1872 Challenge Cup decider at Firhill Arena this Friday (11 April, kick off 8pm).

Cross said: "I couldn't be happier. This will be my fourth contract at Edinburgh and I am one of the lucky rugby players who can actually say they have found home.

"It is easy to move around from place to place during a rugby career, but it is very rare that you get a chance to stay somewhere for so long.

"I count Edinburgh as my home and that is largely because of the nature of the club. It is a place that you really want to be at and commit yourself to.

"It would be great if I could mark the occasion by helping Edinburgh win the 1872 Challenge Cup at Glasgow on Friday night. We are a very proud group of players and we will be doing everything we can to bring the trophy back to Murrayfield."

Edinburgh lost their most recent Magners League match at home to Cardiff and Cross believes the players will react to the setback by producing a spirited display against Glasgow.

He added: "We felt we let the fans down against Cardiff because we didn't play as well as we can. We will be doing everything we can to put that right and defeat Glasgow this weekend.

"The game will be the same as it always is against Glasgow; they are a ferocious team and it will be very physical.

"The fact that there is a Cup now to go with the fixture adds some more esteem to it and makes it a momentous occasion in the season.

"It was one of the games that you are immediately drawn to on the calendar; this game has everything."

Cross highlighted the team spirit prevalent at Edinburgh as one of the main reasons behind his decision to stay at the club and he also believes that aspect will help the team continue to grow and progress.

He said: "Everyone gets on at Edinburgh and a lot of that is because we socialise together. I've never been at a club before where the whole squad comes together for a coffee or to eat lunch outside of work, but that happens here.

"In all my time at Edinburgh with all the characters that have come and gone the one thing that has remained is the brilliant team spirit.

"I am incredibly proud to play for Edinburgh and it is special to be able to line up alongside players who are not just talented individuals, but also people you consider to be close friends."