Dean relieved after being handed new deal
CHRIS DEAN admits that he did have concerns about not being offered a contract renewal with hometown club Edinburgh after a combination of Covid, injury and team selection limited his pre-Christmas appearances this season to just nine minutes in total, spread over two matches against Benetton and Zebre in mid-October.
However, the 28-year-old needn’t have worried. During the six and a half years since making his debut for the capital club, his work-rate and leadership – both on and off the field – have established the centre as a key member of the squad, and the value of experienced campaigners who are not going to be called away on international duty for long swathes of the season meant that re-signing Dean was a no-brainer.
“Chris will have been frustrated at the start of the season because he had a few things that didn’t go right for him,” said head coach Mike Blair. “He had Covid, his family had Covid and then he picked up an injury, so he didn’t quite get that opportunity – but whenever he’s come on, he’s done really well.
“He’s enthusiastic, he’s a communicator and he works really hard off the ball. He’s an important figure within the team, not just on the pitch but off the pitch as well.”
Now, with yesterday’s news that his future is secure for at least one more season, Dean is determined to repay the faith Blair has shown in him.
“Teamwork is a great rugby value – so it’s nice to hear Mike say that. I guess it’s a natural thing to happen as you get older – you gain some responsibility.”
“There was definitely a part of me that was worried [about not getting a contract renewal], because I didn’t finish last year playing my best rugby, then we had a new coach and it took a long time for an opportunity.”
“I guess, like anyone, you lose a bit of confidence, but as soon as you get back out there it’s like second nature,” added Dean, who has played nine matches since the turn of the year. “So, I’m delighted to be given the opportunity.”