Rugby: Southwell thanks fans after signing Stade Français deal

Published on Wednesday 29 April 2009 09:54

FULL-BACK Hugo Southwell has revealed he will join French team, Stade Français at the end of the season following six successful years at Edinburgh.

Since moving to Edinburgh from Worcester in September 2003, the Scotland internationalist has been a valued member of the squad and has recorded 114 appearances – 96 starts – and scored 20 tries.

But Southwell, set to turn 29 in two weeks, has decided to swap the Black and Red for the Blue and Pink of Stade Franais this summer, although he says he will always have fond memories of his time at Edinburgh.

"I've had an amazing time at Edinburgh, it has been the best six years of my life and I've made some really good friends. But the opportunity came up to play for Stade Franais and I felt it was the right challenge for me.

"I'm looking forward to the next chapter in my career and I would like to thank everyone at Edinburgh who has helped me over the years. I've really enjoyed working with Andy (Robinson) and Moff (assistant coach Rob Moffat) over the past two seasons. I believe he has really improved my game.

"Since my first day at the club, I've always enjoyed a great relationship with the fans and I would like to thank them for their support. My wife and I will always call Scotland home and it has been a tough decision."

Southwell will have one familiar face among his new colleagues at Stade Franais – Simon Taylor.

Southwell admits he was influenced by his former Edinburgh team mate in who is now in his second season at the club he helped reach the semi finals of the French Championship with a win at Castres on Saturday.

"I spoke about it with Simon during the Six Nations and he told me good things about the club," added Southwell who has been signed to replace the retiring Argentina internationalist Ignacio Corleto.

He will join another former colleague in Paris, Craig Smith, who helped the other team in the French capital, Racing Metro, to the Division two title, setting up two Parisian derbies between the Scots next season.

Head coach Andy Robinson said: "Hugo has been a tremendous servant to Edinburgh and his contribution towards moving the club forward has been appreciated. But Hugo's departure will now give Jim Thompson to chance to challenge with Chris Paterson for the full-back position."

Southwell has no intention of turning his back on his international career and believes the move to France could well help him win the duel with Paterson for the No.15 jersey.

Southwell was first choice in this season's Six Nations before losing his place to Paterson.