Dean keen to continue team dream
His signature joins those of forwards Jamie Ritchie, Alasdair Dickinson and Ben Toolis who recently renewed their commitment to the 1872 Scottish Cup winners.
The twenty-one-year-old, who hails from North Berwick, joined the club from his school, Edinburgh Academy, where he lifted the Brewin Dolphin Schools' Cup in 2009 at Under-15 level and the following two years as U18 captain.
Dean has represented Scotland at every age grade and in the abbreviated game, at which level he has 15 caps, to date. Earning a Scotland Sevens elite development player contract in May 2012, he progressed to sign full professional terms with Edinburgh in summer 2014.
His first start came in this season's Pro12 opener, the win over Leinster, and Dean has featured in nine out of the club's fixtures so far in 2015/16.
Dean said: "Growing up in East Lothian and in the city I've always been a supporter of the club. It was always my dream to play with Edinburgh and it's great that I can stay for another two years.
"I remember going to games at Meadowbank, watching Edinburgh play the Borders, then when the team came back to Murrayfield watching the likes of Mike Blair, Simon Webster, Mark Robertson and that era of players.
"It was strange because I grew up idolising players like Fordy [Ross Ford] and Dicko [Alasdair Dickinson] then once I was in the team myself it was straight into being teammates with them.
Despite his relative youth, Dean's connection with the capital club means he has been able to reflect on how the club has developed in recent years.
He said: "There's a great atmosphere in the squad at the moment and we've got a really good bunch of guys who I think can really go somewhere.
"I want to keep pushing my career on and I really believe Edinburgh is the best stepping stone for that.
"Performing well for Edinburgh is what I've signed to do. If anything else happens beyond that – great – but my focus is on Edinburgh and doing well for the club."
Head coach Alan Solomons, who initially signed Dean on professional terms, said: "Chris epitomises the vision we have for the club and I am really pleased that he will be staying with us.
"He is a talented, young Scottish player who has made terrific strides this season.
"I look forward to continuing to work with Chris. He's a fine young man with good leadership qualities who, I feel, will make his mark both with the club and Scotland."
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