Paterson heading back home

Scotland star Chris Paterson is to rejoin Edinburgh after just one season in the Guinness Premiership with Gloucester.

Scotland star Chris Paterson is to rejoin Edinburgh after just one season in the Guinness Premiership with Gloucester.

The 30-year-old, who has won 86 caps and scored 659 Test points, made 17 appearances for Gloucester but struggled to pin down a regular starting place.

“I feel as if my one year at Gloucester has made me a more knowledgeable player,” said Paterson.

“I have learned so much and have been fortunate to work again with good coaches.

“The environment at Gloucester has been terrific for me. I think when I have been on the field I've performed pretty well.”

Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan agreed with his departing pivot.

“Although his starting opportunities have been limited, his dedication and versatility have been very influential within the squad,” he said.

“We still have some big games remaining this season and I am sure Chris will have an important role to play in these.

“He has been an outstanding professional, both on and off the field, since joining us after the World Cup. We wish him every success with this move.”

Paterson enjoyed a 100 per cent success rate at last year's World Cup, booting 17 successful kicks, but the abiding memory for Gloucester supporters will probably be Paterson's three failed first-half penalties in the Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat by Munster.

“We want to compete at the highest level and to achieve that objective we have to have a world-class goal kicker. Unquestionably, Chris is a world-class goal-kicker,” added Edinburgh coach Andy Robinson.

“I felt that to move the squad forward it was important to have a player of his ability in our ranks. We are signing him to compete for a place in two positions – full-back and fly-half.

“Having spoken with him, I have been struck by his real desire to play for Edinburgh. With a player of his status available, it increases our options to rotate our squad.”