Double title winner Dall comes full circle with Heriot's

The 28-year-old back-rower, capped against Wales in 2003, has agreed to rejoin the team he helped complete back-to-back title triumphs in 2000 before he was rewarded for an outstanding season with a move to Edinburgh Gunners. After an unhappy ending to his professional career when Edinburgh withdrew a contract offer four days before his deal was due to expire leaving him without enough time to secure a new club, Dall was player-coach at Gala last term.

A difficult first season in Scotland's top flight saw the Borders outfit relegated although Dall was always facing a losing battle to keep them up with limited resources and a squad that required significant strengthening. The experience almost made Dall call time on his rugby career altogether but he admitted the offer of playing for Heriot's again, a team he firmly believes are moving in the right direction, was enough to persuade him to dust off his boots.

Dall last played for Heriot's in January last year when he turned out in a one-off friendly while still contracted to the Gunners.

"I didn't particularly enjoy last season's rugby because we obviously struggled a bit and were relegated but if you are winning games it's a lot more enjoyable," he admitted. "I won the league twice in two years with Heriot's before going pro so it was a good time. They look to have recruited well and have a lot of good young players so everything about the club is pretty positive just now."

At 28, Dall will be one of the more experienced squad members and although work commitments may prevent him from playing from time to time - he runs SuperLogo, a print and embroidery firm - he is hoping his years as a professional will benefit the younger Heriot's players. "I am involved with Heriot's although how often will depend on business commitments. It will be a case of when they need me and when my work will allow it but hopefully I can play as often as possible.

"I played at a good level of rugby with Edinburgh and not many of the guys involved with Heriot's just now will have played at that level yet so I'll try to pass on what I know.

"But we have good coaches at Heriot's and if they listen to them as well they'll do well."

Dall's arrival at Goldenacre increases the number of former pupils playing with Heriot's to four with Marc Teague, Stewart Mustard and Jonny Sim also progressing from the school ranks. The championship-winning team of five years ago was also built on a core of home-grown talent and Dall admitted it was good to see the club returning to its roots.

"There are four or five guys that I still know from Heriot's. Marc Teague, Stewart Mustard, Jonny Sim and Tam McVie all played when I was there while a few of them are also FPs. It's good to see that and I'm looking forward to catching up with them again."

Meanwhile, in a further boost for Heriot's stand-off Sim, who has been out with a pelvic injury since last July, is back in full training. He is expected to be available for selection in time for the season's opening day.