From Scottish Test prop to coach
Edinburgh centurion and Scotland international prop, Alasdair Dickinson, has today announced his retirement from rugby to take up a coaching position with the Fosroc Scottish Rugby Academy.
Dickinson, 34, signed for Edinburgh in 2004 after turning out for local side Heriot’s and went onto make 120 appearances for the club during two spells in the capital.
An astute scrummager and ferocious ball carrier, Dickinson will be remembered fondly for his unyielding commitment to the Edinburgh jersey.
The 58-times capped internationalist will transition into the academy set-up with the opportunity to specialise in the scrum and contact area
Speaking following today’s announcement, the former loosehead, said: “It has obviously been a tough decision but when you’re getting a bit older, your body makes the decision for you.
“For me, my body just couldn’t keep up with the demands of the professional game and I believe it’s now a good time to call it a day.
“There’s been loads of good memories along the way but it’s not just the games, there are great pre-season training and socials with the squad. I’ll definitely miss those moments with my teammates.
“To take up a position with the Fosroc Scottish Rugby Academy is a great opportunity for me.
“It’s the natural progression to transition from playing to coaching and I’ve been really fortunate to have been offered this role. I can’t wait to get started and it’s definitely going to be a great test.”
🗣️ | Dickinson: “I’ve been really fortunate to have been offered this role to help develop the youngsters coming through, from school-age, into the academy and hopefully into the pro teams.”#ThankYouDicko | #AlwaysEdinburgh 🔷🔶 pic.twitter.com/vAbaSl4bZJ
— Edinburgh Rugby (@EdinburghRugby) August 14, 2018
Born in Dundee, Dickinson joined Edinburgh as an apprentice in 2004 and went onto surpass 50 appearances in an Edinburgh shirt before joining English Premiership outfit Gloucester in 2007.
The prop made his international debut against New Zealand at BT Murrayfield in the 2007 World Cup, before making an appearance from the bench during Scotland’s famous 15-9 Calcutta Cup victory over England in March 2008.
As Dickinson’s international credentials continued to flourish, the prop would make the move at club level to Premiership rivals Sale Sharks.
In the summer of 2013, following two seasons at the AJ Bell Stadium, the prop returned north of the border to rejoin Edinburgh on a one-year deal.
He earned his 100th cap for the club in the European Challenge Cup win over FC Grenoble in November 2015 and reached the half-century cap mark for Scotland in the Rugby World Cup 2015 clash against South Africa at St James’ Park, Newcastle.
Source: @EdinburghRugby
