Scotland prop commits to new Edinburgh deal

Prop Traynor, who turned 24 on Saturday, was named Edinburgh's Newcomer of the Year following his debut professional season and, during the current campaign, he has continued that progress with 17 appearances and three Test caps for Scotland.

Now the promising front row forward says he is aiming to finish his second season in the pro ranks by helping Edinburgh to win the Magners League Grand Final in May.

Traynor said: "Winning the title would be like a dream come true. It would be great to win the Magners League with Edinburgh and I fully believe we've got a squad that are capable of doing it.

"I played a lot during the closing stages of last season when we managed to finish second in the league and now I want to help Edinburgh improve on that achievement."

Another key factor behind Traynor agreeing to stay with Edinburgh is that he has formed some strong friendships with his team-mates and says he enjoys life at Murrayfield.

He added: "I'm really happy at Edinburgh, I've got a lot of good friends in the squad and I believe we are a club heading in the right direction.

"It has been great to have been involved so much in the team over the past 18 months or so and progress.

"It has all happened pretty quickly and it is great to have signed a new deal so soon after my first professional contract."

Traynor forecasts that Edinburgh's young squad, with an average age of just 25, will continue to improve over the next couple of seasons and that progress will see the team evolve into becoming perennial title challengers.

He said: "A lot is made of the fact that we do have a young squad, but the young players are very ambitious. We've got guys who are determined to work hard and improve - that is a great environment to be in.

"If we can keep the squad together for a while and keep progressing then we expect to experience an exciting few years."

Kyle will be available for interview/photograph at this afternoon's team announcement media conference at the MacPherson Suite (4pm).