ANDY KELLY today set himself on course to join an elite group who have played 100 games for Edinburgh Rugby when the 25-year-old hooker signed a two-year contract extension.
Kelly will be joined in staying on at Murrayfield by centre Matt Dey, 27, who also put pen to paper on a new one-year deal.
The signings strengthen Edinburgh's connection with local rugby as both are hometown players who came up through the club
structure – initially at Stewart's/Melville.
Coincidentally they both also joined the Magners Celtic League team in 2003.
Since then Kelly has gone on to start 47 matches for Edinburgh with a further 41 outings coming from the bench.
And, although competition for the hooking berth has been strengthened by the promotion of Sean Crombie from apprentice status to join the squad, Kelly will be looking to hit the magical 'ton' mark in 2008-09.
Dey has made a total of 46 appearances for Edinburgh but recently showed signs of putting regular injury problems behind him.
Scotland 'A' internationalist Kelly says it is slightly bizarre that he is still lining up alongside Dey 11 years since they first played together at school.
Kelly said: "I suppose to train with someone every day that you went to school with is a bit strange.
"Matt was a year above me at school, but we started playing together when I was in the fourth year and he was in the fifth year.
"But it is good to have shared so many experiences with Matt at Edinburgh and I'm really looking forward to that continuing next season.
"It means a lot to me to play for Edinburgh because you want to win for the club and also for the city.
"There are a lot of people I know in the city who are always looking to see how the team is getting on, so it is good to be able to do it for them as well. That was definitely the best season I've ever experienced at Edinburgh. The guys really did well and they have responded well to coach Andy Robinson."
Dey, also an A cap, adds: "I have played all my professional rugby with Edinburgh and I'm very proud to be given an opportunity to continue doing that. We have enjoyed a good season and the set-up bodes well for the future. I'm very excited to be a part of that.
"I am fortunate to be playing rugby alongside mates who I get on with both on and off the pitch.
"I think that factor has been instrumental behind what we have achieved this year and will stand us in good stead going forward as well. We work hard for each other and that counts for a lot.
"Looking back at our school side, we always knew we had a good team and Ned (Kelly) and I have been the fortunate two that have been able to go on and play professionally.
"It has been good to have played alongside him for so many years and I have been lucky to have made lots of long-term friendships during my time at Edinburgh."
The full article contains 536 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
