Dean to return for Leinster ball delivery

• 18 Sep 2024
• News

Edinburgh Rugby centurion and the club’s most-capped centre of all-time, Chris Dean,  is set to make a heartwarming return to Hive Stadium this Friday night as he delivers the match ball ahead of the United Rugby Championship opener against Leinster.

Dean, who left the club after a decade of service during the pre-season, expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to return in such a special way.

“It’s a privilege to come back and be able to do a proper farewell, coming onto the pitch to deliver the match ball,” he said.

“I guess for me it closes a chapter on a fantastic decade and being able to do it my own way is really special. I’ll be forever thankful for everyone that’s been a part of my journey the last 10 years with Edinburgh Rugby. It’ll be an exciting moment.”

The former North Berwick RFC and Edinburgh Accies man will be joined by his daughters for the emotional moment, making it even more special.

“If my girls play ball, they’ll walk on with me, which will be a really special moment,” Dean added.

Reflecting on his decision to leave Edinburgh after ten years, Dean explained that he felt it was the right time to explore new opportunities both on and off the field.

“I felt like I really had given everything for 10 years,” he said. “It’s a daunting thing doing something for 12 years. I played professionally, I left school on the Friday and I joined professional rugby on the Monday, so to do that for 12 years and suddenly start to see on the horizon that it doesn’t last forever, I think it was a really sensible move.”

Despite his departure, Dean remains a passionate supporter of Edinburgh Rugby and is eager to continue following the club’s progress.

“I think I was always an Edinburgh fan before I played and on Friday when I go and take my seat, that’ll be me firmly a fan again,” he said.

“And I think in the way that I’ve been able to finish on my own terms definitely cements the fact that I can’t wait to just support the players that take the field on Friday night and thereafter.”