Lewis grateful for spell in Aus

EDINBURGH secondrow Lewis Carmichael says he is a “more rounded player” after a spell in Australia.

The lock was handed a two-year contract extension on Tuesday to keep him at the Myreside club until 2020 after impressing in his first full season with the club.

Carmichael only made his first start this season, but enjoyed a successful spell with Super Rugby side Western Force and admits the experience of playing abroad has helped him as a player.

“I had a four-month spell at Western Force which was brilliant, at the tail end of last season,” the 22-year-old (below) said.

“I went out around April and came back in June.

“That was brilliant and really good for my development. I stayed longer than I was meant to, got a couple of Super Rugby games which I didn’t expect and I really enjoyed it.”

He added: “They don’t have the same emphasis on the set piece, but I wouldn’t say it’s hugely different.

“I wouldn’t say I’m a different player really, there were a couple of things, but maybe more of a rounded player.”

Ahead of the first fixture of this season’s 1872 Cup, set to be played at BT Murrayfield on Saturday, he added: “I have finally signed for another two years and I’m delighted.

“This is the place I want to play my rugby. It’s an exciting club at the moment.

“I started in the academy maybe two years ago, came up through the ranks and it’s been great.

“Edinburgh versus Glasgow games are huge. They are the games you want to be playing in as a player so you have to put your hand up in training and hope the coach notices.”