EDINBURGH (AFP) — Scotland back Chris Paterson is to leave English club Gloucester at the end of this season and return to Edinburgh.
Lock Jim Hamilton will move from Leicester to team up with Paterson, who has failed to tie down a regular starting slot at Gloucester despite his status as the most reliable goal-kicker in international rugby.
Andy Robinson, the former England coach who is now in charge of Edinburgh, voiced his delight over the capture of Paterson, who left to join Gloucester after last year's World Cup.
"We want to compete at the highest level and to achieve that objective we have to have a world-class goal kicker. Unquestionably Mossy (Paterson) is a world-class goal-kicker.
"I felt that to move the squad forward it was important to have a player of his ability in our ranks. We're signing him to compete for a place in two positions -- full-back and stand-off."
Paterson, 30, has been capped 86 times by Scotland and is currently on a streak of 33 successful kicks in international rugby.
He said: "The circumstances in which I left Edinburgh have changed and I'm pleased to be able to come back and compete for a place.
"I feel as if my one year at Gloucester has made me a more knowledgeable player. I have learned so much and have been fortunate to work again with good coaches."
Edinburgh have also secured the services of Paterson's international team-mate Hamilton with the giant lock having agreed a move from Leicester for next season.
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