Phil Godman signs up for two more years at Edinburgh

The 27-year-old, who has become the ninth player to extend his stay at the capital club since the turn of the year, has amassed 355 points in 130 appearances since joining Edinburgh from Newcastle six years ago.

"I'm delighted to be staying and I'm really excited about what we can achieve," he said. "I'm proud to play for Edinburgh – it means a lot to me. But the main reason I wanted to stay is because I'm ambitious and I want to win trophies.

"The last couple of seasons have been good – both for me personally and for Edinburgh – and one of our goals this season is to win the Magners League.

"That is something we still have a very good chance of achieving with three games in the regular season remaining and the play-offs coming up. I believe over the next two seasons we can continue to progress and make an impact in Europe and the Magners League."

Godman, who lost his place in the Scotland side to Dan Parks during the recent RBS 6 Nations, added: "It has been good to have played such a big role for Edinburgh and that has led to me getting the opportunity to represent Scotland.

"I believe there is still a lot more to come from me and from the team. My best years are ahead of me and I'm looking forward to being able to show that in the future."

Head coach Rob Moffat said: "Dan Parks has played very well for Scotland, so that is another challenge for Phil – to reclaim the number 10 jersey for the national team."

Meanwhile, Scotland hooker Ross Ford will make his first start since the RBS Six Nations in Edinburgh's Magners League game at Newport-Gwent Dragons on Sunday. The 25-year-old is one of two changes to the side narrowly beaten at Connacht two weeks ago, with Ross Rennie also returning at openside flanker.

Ford's recall means Andrew Kelly has to make do with a place on the bench and head coach Rob Moffat said: "There is a lot of competition for the hooker position between Ross and Andy.

"It has been a long season for Ross taking into consideration the fact he was on the Lions tour and has since played in the autumn Tests and Six Nations.

"He looks refreshed and played in the second half at Connacht. We are looking for a big performance from Ross, and a big display from everybody involved."

Fellow Scotland international Rennie last played during March's home win over the Scarlets as his comeback from a bad knee injury continues to be monitored.

Moffat added: "It is three weeks since he last played and we are looking forward to seeing what he will add to the team on his return. Roddy Grant has been outstanding on a consistent basis this season, but we felt it was the right decision to make."

Vice-captain Allister Hogg has now resumed competitive action – after representing Watsonians at the Melrose Sevens last weekend – and the Scotland back row is expected to continue his comeback from hip surgery for the Myreside-based club on Saturday. Nick De Luca remains sidelined by a groin injury.

DRAGONS SQUAD

Backs: Martyn Thomas, Will Harries, Rhodri Gomer Davies, Matthew Watkins, Tom Riley, Ashley Smith, Richard Fussell, James Arlidge, Jason Tovey, Alex Walker, James Leadbeater, Wayne Evans.

Forwards: Hugh Gustafson, Tom Willis (c), Lloyd Burns, Ben Castle, Pat Palmer, Rob Sidoli, Luke Charteris, Andrew Coombes, Hoani MacDonald, Joe Bearman, Toby Faletau, Gavin Thomas, Grant Webb.