CHRIS DEAN and Ben Muncaster have both agreed two-year extensions to their Edinburgh contracts as the team continues its rebuilding for next season.
Dean, 29, has been a stalwart at centre since making his debut back in 2015, and has now made 133 appearances. Next season will be his 10th as a member of the squad.
Muncaster, who like Dean comes from North Berwick, joined Edinburgh from the Leicester Tigers academy in the summer of 2020. Now 21, the back-row forward was named the team’s young player of the season in 2021-22 and has made 26 appearances.
Scotland must get better at developing its own talent, acknowledges Gregor Townsend
Stafford McDowall signs contract extension with Glasgow Warriors
Ireland are “10 years down the road” in developing player pathways, says Nigel Carolan
“We’re delighted to see Chris and Ben re-sign for the club,” head coach Mike Blair said. “They’re both hugely driven and talented players.
“Chris is an experienced head to have at the club, with Ben showing he too has a massive future here. It’s also great to see the connection between Edinburgh Rugby and North Berwick is alive and well.”
Dean said: “I’m really excited to be given the opportunity to continue playing for Edinburgh Rugby. Not sure where the last nine years have gone, but I feel as energised as ever to continue improving and enjoy playing the game I’ve always loved.
“Extra bonus that I get to do it for the club I’ve grown up supporting and always known as a player. I hope I can represent the club as many times as I can and play a part in bringing success to it over the next two seasons.”
Muncaster is well aware that he has a lot of competition for a place in the Edinburgh back row, but said he believed that would help him continue his progress. “The back-row has real quality in it, so to learn from guys like Bill Mata, Luke Crosbie, Jamie Ritchie and Hamish Watson while contributing to the team is an exciting opportunity for me,” he said.
“I’m absolutely buzzing to be staying at the club. It’s a really good group of boys, and I’m loving my time here. ”
Scotland must get better at developing its own talent, acknowledges Gregor Townsend