Alasdair Dickinson: Edinburgh prop signs new two-year deal

Scotland prop Alasdair Dickinson has signed a new deal to stay with Edinburgh until 2016.

The 30-year-old is in his second spell with the Pro12 side, having rejoined at the beginning of the season.

He started at Edinburgh and played for Gloucester, Moseley and Sale Sharks before returning to his first club.

"It's my home club. I started my career here in the academy 10 years ago and I've really enjoyed it since I've come back," he told the club website.

Dickinson has been capped 30 times by Scotland since his debut in 2007 and was part of the squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

He follows and David Denton in re-signing with Edinburgh.

The prop added: "I firmly believe in what the coaches are building. There's a great group of lads here and I'm very happy to be part of the plans for a bright future.

"All the staff are so passionate about Edinburgh Rugby as a club and all the players are the same. We're all aiming in the right direction and I think we're really starting to generate that family feel.

"It's easier to get into a run when you play a lot of games and fortunately I've managed to do that this year. The important thing is to maintain that form for the club and the boys.

"I don't see Edinburgh as a way of getting into a Scotland shirt. This club is my first and foremost priority.

"It's all about performing for Edinburgh. Selection is out of my control. The only thing I can control is playing well for Edinburgh and improving every week."

And head coach Alan Solomons added: "He has played terrific rugby this season and I think he has every prospect of getting the starting loosehead berth at the time of the Six Nations.

"It's wonderful that we've been able to sign him, together with the other Scottish internationalists, and keep them here at Edinburgh Rugby. I think it only augurs well for the club going forward."