Edinburgh Rugby sign sevens star Chris Dean

SCOTLAND age-grade and sevens international Chris Dean has signed a two-year contract with Edinburgh Rugby.

Chris Dean in action for Scotland during last year's Glasgow 7's. Picture: Robert Perry

The 20-year-old centre has been a part of the Scotland 7s set-up since 2012, and captained the national side at under-17 level.

Dean said: “I’m delighted with the opportunity to get back into the 15-a-side game, especially with a side I’ve grown up supporting.

“I’ve played through all the age grades for Edinburgh and I’m really looking forward to this step up.

Dean hailed the impact of Edinburgh head coach Alan Solomons, and praised the South African’s efforts to “build a club rather than a team”.

Dean said: “He’s looking towards the future, which is a great because it means bringing young Scots like me into the setup who will hopefully kick on over the next few years.”

Solomons said: “Chris is one of the bright young talents of Scottish rugby.

“To build a sustainable club we have got to run a strong youth system, where the development of the players is accelerated through their exposure to an experienced, senior squad.

“Chris is very talented. He has done very well in the Scotland 7s set-up and for our national age-grade sides. He is a player of real ability and potential. It’s great to have a young Scottish talent like that as part of the club.”