Edinburgh can confirm today that long-serving centre Matt Dey has retired from rugby at the age of 28 through injury.
Scotland A centre Dey made his Edinburgh debut against rivals Glasgow in December 2003 and went on to record 46 appearances in the Black and Red.
But the former Stewart’s-Melville back, who played for Scotland in a non-cap against New South Wales Waratahs in 2004, has had to call time on his career after suffering serious problems with a shoulder injury.
Nevertheless Dey admits he has plenty of fond memories from his six-year stay at Edinburgh. He said: “Edinburgh was the only team I ever wanted to play for and professional rugby is all I’ve ever known. So to be given the opportunity to do that has been fantastic.
“I’ve really enjoyed it and it has been a memorable period in my life – I’ve made a lot of great friends and I’ve loved every minute of it.
“It was pretty devastating to be told I couldn’t play again because I certainly would have loved to have helped Edinburgh during the final stages of the past season.
“But there comes a time when you have to weigh up everything and to be told my shoulder is in the condition it is in means I have to retire from the game.”
In the short term, Dey swapped his rugby boots for finance books in order to finish off a degree which will lead to his next career in business.
He added: “I’ve just completed my MBA (Masters in Business Administration) and I am excited about pursuing a career in investment management.
“The biggest highlights of my career were signing my first contract, going on the Scotland tour to Australia in 2004 and helping the team finish fourth in the Magners League last year (2008).
“I also enjoyed playing for Scotland A when we beat the England Saxons in Canada to reach the Churchill Cup Final.
"I would like to thank all the staff at Edinburgh for their support over the years and wish the team all the very best for the coming season."
Notes to Editors:
• The average age of Edinburgh’s 36-man squad is just 25.
• There are currently 15 Scotland internationalists in the Edinburgh squad plus 14 Scotland A internationalists.
• There is only one non-Scottish qualified player, Tim Visser in the Edinburgh squad
• Last season Edinburgh recorded their highest ever finish in the Magners League (second) and won their final six matches – an all-time team record.
• Last season, Edinburgh attracted crowds of over 12,000 for the 1872 Cup match against Glasgow and over 7,000 for the Heineken Cup match against London Wasps.
