The Scotsman

Scott in Edinburgh return after two seasons with Gloucester

- By GAVIN MCCAFFERTY

Scotland internatio­nal Matt Scott has agreed a deal to rejoin Edinburgh this summer after Gloucester opted not to offer the centre a new deal.

Scott, 27, has signed a twoyear contract and will return to his former club when his second season with Gloucester is finished.

He said he had been disappoint­ed not to be offered a contract extension with the Aviva Premiershi­p club.

The 39-times capped internatio­nal, who was called up to the Scotland training squad this week, wrote on Twitter: “Just wanted to say how much I’ve enjoyed my time so far at Gloucester and that I’m gutted it has come to an end so soon!

“Unfortunat­ely there was no option for me to stay which was disappoint­ing, but I’m looking forward to contribute in any way I can to an exciting couple of months for the club and end my two seasons here on a high!”

Scott scored 13 tries in 25 appearance­s during his first season at Gloucester and has crossed the line in each of his last four matches after return- ing from a three-month lay-off with an ankle injury.

Gloucester director of rugby David Humphreys told his club’s official website: “Matt’s been an excellent profession­al during his time at the club, but we can appreciate his reasons for wanting to return to Scotland.

“He made a real impact during his first season here in particular, but the timing of his ankle injury this season was very unfortunat­e and has limited his opportunit­ies. He’s worked hard to get back to fitness, has done a good job in recent weeks and will have a role to play for the rest of the season.”

Scott scored 15 tries in 74 appearance­s during his first spell with Edinburgh and his re-signing is further good news for a team who have won 13 of their last 16 matches.

He added in a statement released by Edinburgh: “I can’t wait to get back playing with some of my best mates and pushing to win trophies with my hometown club. I’ve had a great two years at Gloucester and believe I’m a far better player and person from my experience­s in the Premiershi­p.”

0 Matt Scott: Two-year deal.

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