Cross pens Edinburgh extension

Edinburgh club captain Simon Cross has signed a new two-year contract with the Magners League outfit.

Edinburgh club captain Simon Cross has signed a new two-year contract with the Magners League outfit, which keeps him in the Scottish capital until the end of the 2009/10 campaign.

The 27-year-old flanker admits he has found his natural home after extending his stay at the club he joined from Wasps back in 2003.

And it also seems Andy Robinson's side hold a remarkable team spirit on and off the field as they currently sit fifth in the competition table.

“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,” Cross said.

“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.

“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.”

Cross is aiming to celebrate his new deal with a league win over Glasgow at Firhill on Friday in a match that doubles as a cup clash between the old Scottish rivals.

Glasgow need to beat Edinburgh by more than four points to claim the trophy following their defeat at Murrayfield earlier in the season, which Cross is keen to stop.

“It would be great if I could mark the occasion by helping Edinburgh win the 1872 Challenge Cup at Glasgow on Friday night,” he said.

“We are a very proud group of players and we will be doing everything we can to bring the trophy back to Murrayfield.”

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

Meanwhile, Bernardo Stortoni has delivered some great news to Glasgow Warriors fans ahead of the clash, with the Puma signing an extended contract with the club until 2010.

Having joined the Warriors on a one-year-deal from English Premiership side Bristol last summer, Stortoni has racked up 22 appearances so far this season, scoring three tries.

“I have always given my best for the Glasgow shirt and I love playing for the fans and for the city,” he said.

“My family and I are very settled in Glasgow and I'm happy to have extended my contract.

“The fans have been great to me since I arrived so I hope this shows my commitment to them. I just can't wait to give them something to shout about this Friday.”

Warriors Head Coach Sean Lineen was also delighted with the news that the 31-year-old is staying at Firhill.

“Bernie is a great team man and has been one of our players of the season,” he said.

“He's a fantastic trainer, very safe under the high ball and he gives everything his all.”

Elsewhere, a quartet of Dragons players have signed two-year contract extensions with the Welsh regional side.

Ashley Smith, Martyn Thomas, Gethin Robinson and Steve Jones are the players who have committed themselves to the Dragons cause.

“The past five years with the region have been great for my professional rugby development; from under-16s, through the academy set up and into the Dragons team,” said 21-year-old centre Smith.

“I'm excited to be part of the squad who will enter the stadium redevelopment and hopefully will stay with the region beyond 2010.”