SRU losing key player as Dewey joins Ulster

THE Scottish Rugby Union has its work cut out to stem an exodus of internationalists from the three professional teams this summer, after it emerged that the highly- talented Rob Dewey has agreed to join Ulster next season. Dewey, who plays centre for Edinburgh, will be joined at Ulster by fellow Scotland cap Simon Danielli, who is leaving the Borders for Belfast in the summer.

It also emerged this week that Edinburgh forwards Alasdair Strokosch and Alasdair Dickinson are to move to Gloucester, while earlier this month it was confirmed that Scott Lawson, the Glasgow hooker, is to join Sale.

But Danielli and Dewey, who starts at inside centre for Scotland against Italy tomorrow, are the highest-profile departures. Frank Hadden, the Scotland coach, has high hopes for the powerful Dewey, a tryscorer at Twickenham this month, and will be disappointed to see the rising star depart after giving the 23-year-old his debut against Romania last year, and then playing him against England and Wales in the RBS Six Nations championship.

Ulster are keeping quiet on Dewey's move while he features in the RBS Six Nations Championship, but an Edinburgh spokesperson said: "We are in the process of finalising our squad for next season. Within this process, players will come and go, and while we would have liked to retain [Rob's] services, it is difficult to stand in the way of players who wish to pursue a career elsewhere."

Ulster coach Mark McCall was more forthcoming on the capture of Danielli, who plays for Scotland A against Italy tonight. He said: "We are very pleased to be able to sign a player of Simon's quality and proven pedigree.

"Although he is a very experienced player, having represented Scotland, Bath and the Borders, at only 27 we feel he still has his best years ahead of him and we are confident we will see them at Ravenhill."

Danielli said: "I am excited and honoured to be joining Ulster - the atmosphere at Ravenhill is one of the best I've ever experienced. I'm looking forward to playing in a team with so many world-class players."