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Chris Dean makes 'difficult decision' to leave Edinburgh

By PA
Chris Dean of Edinburgh Rugby is congratulated after he scores his side's third try during the Guinness PRO14 Play-Off Semi Final between Edinburgh and Ulster at Murrayfield on September 05, 2020 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Chris Dean has made the “difficult decision” to end his 10-year spell with Edinburgh to explore other playing opportunities.

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The 30-year-old centre made his 150th appearance for the club last season but it was announced on Monday that he has left following a mutual agreement.

“This has been a difficult decision, and one I’ve not taken lightly in any way, however the time felt right for a new challenge,” Dean told the Edinburgh website.

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    “I’m incredibly thankful to Edinburgh Rugby for their support throughout my time here, and especially for working with me and allowing me to make this decision.

    “I’m immensely proud of what I’ve achieved at this club. To be the club’s most-capped centre is a huge honour, and something I’ll always cherish.

    “I’ve made some incredible friends for life and played alongside some fantastic team-mates over the years, while I’ll always be appreciative for the unwavering support of the Edinburgh fans. I look forward to what the future holds.”

    Head coach Sean Everitt added: “Chris has been a fantastic servant to this club, on and off the pitch.

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    “His leadership by example and dedication to his team-mates has been invaluable. He’s a great role model for all aspiring centres, not just for his skills on the field, but for his work ethic and professionalism.

    “He’s etched his name in the club’s history books by becoming our most-capped centre of all time, a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about his consistency and durability.

    “He can be immensely proud of what he’s achieved during his time here, and leaves with the very best wishes of everyone at Edinburgh Rugby.”

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    MS 41 minutes ago
    Why Blair Kinghorn should be nailed on as the Lions starting 15

    I can see arguments for both Kinghorn, and Keenan starting for the Lions. But I’m less convinced by some of the claims (clearly partisan) supporters are using to argue the merits of one over the other.


    For example, a number of Ireland supporters have suggested Kinghorn is ‘defensively weak’. That’s patently false - or at least on the evidence of this 6N, he’s certainly no weaker there than Keenan is, who is presumably the comparative standard they’re using. Keenan was both shrugged off in contact, and beaten on the edge for pace, a number of times during this competition.


    Equally, Scotland supporters arguing Kinghorn is the more capable ‘rugby player’ seem to have overlooked the (frankly sizeable) body of evidence demonstrating that Keenan is an excellent ball in hand distributor and decision maker. So that doesn’t hold up under scrutiny either.


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    That’s assuming Andy Farrell goes that route, of course. He may well just opt for his Ireland system instead, and populate it with the likes of Henshaw, Ringrose, Lowe and Keenan. I’m sure that would win the series. Quite what effect it might have on a Lions audience who were expecting something other than ‘Ireland on tour, but wearing red’ would remain to be seen.


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    But again, that will only prove a decisive factor if Andy Farrell wants to play that way. If all he wants from his FB is to sit deep, field high balls, and mop up then there’s little between these two equally excellent players.

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