ALAN SOLOMONS insists he is ready to take Edinburgh Rugby onto the next level after agreeing a 12-month extension to his contract and committing himself until June 2016.

The South African, former director of rugby with the Southern Kings, was appointed head coach in the summer of 2013 and helped the capital club become the first Scottish side to reach the final of the European Challenge Cup, losing out 19-13 to Gloucester at The Stoop.

He also led his men to victory over Glasgow Warriors in the 1872 Cup with a play-off spot for the European Champions Cup still a possibility in spite of a mixed start to the season.

"We set ourselves the target, at the start of the season, of being in the top six in the league and, although this is no longer possible, we are still challenging for a play-off spot for the European Champions Cup," said Solomons.

"Reaching the final of the European Challenge Cup and winning the 1872 Cup have been equally pleasing and that's testament to the hard work of the players as well as the commitment of all our backroom staff.

"The challenges we've faced as a squad this year have been enormous - the injury count in the home game against Lyon being a case in point - but, on each occasion, we have risen to the challenge.

"I feel we're moving into the next phase of our development as a squad and that's really exciting. We are progressing, but there is still a long way to go. I am absolutely focused on continuing this progress and realising the vision."

Mark Dodson, chief executive of Scottish Rugby, believes Solomons has done well to fulfil the brief of putting Edinburgh back on the map with a talent base of Scottish players and is pleased to see him nail his colours to the mast by extending his stay.

"From the outset, we set him the task of rebuilding the club, with Scottish players at its core and to develop young talent," said Dodson. "This is now generating the results we hoped for and I am delighted he will continue his progress at Edinburgh Rugby."

Scrum-half Sam Hidalgo-Clyne and flanker Hamish Watson came through the academy system at Edinburgh and flourished under the guidance of Solomons, earning Scotland call-ups during the RBS 6 Nations.

"It's been very pleasing to see how players such as Sam and Hamish - young Scottish talents - have developed over this season as our overall team performance has improved," said Solomons. "I've ensured we have a well-conditioned squad, with the necessary strength in depth, into which young players could come and learn and flourish."