Laidlaw on World Cup plan
Edinburgh agreed to rest captain Greig Laidlaw for five weeks, following a request from the Scotland national team.
The five-week break is intended to front-end the coming 2014/15 season – with an appropriate amount of rest, going into a crucial 12-month competitive campaign that starts with Scotland's 2014 four-Test mid-year tour and culminates in the World Cup the following year.
Scottish Director of Rugby Scott Johnson said the reason behind the decision is because Laidlaw has played a lot for both Edinburgh and Scotland this season.
"He has been a key figure in our leadership group," Johnson said.
"His time at Edinburgh has meant a great deal to him and he will have the opportunity to play again for Edinburgh this season.
"With the schedule as it stands looking ahead over the next 16 to 18 months, we're grateful to Edinburgh for supporting this move."
Edinburgh head coach Alan Solomons said: "The performance of the national team is of the utmost importance to the whole of Scottish Rugby, and this is will be a big year for Greig [Laidlaw].
"He has been a long-standing servant of this club and we are happy to support him and Scottish in this regard."
The extended rest period keeps the door open for Scotland A capped pair Grayson Hart (25) and Sean Kennedy (22), and Sam Hidalgo-Clyne (20), as the club looks forward to the seasons ahead.
Solomons added: "We have very capable, young Scottish scrum-halves who will compete for the number nine shirt next season, and will continue to get the opportunities they have handled admirably in Greig's absence during the Six Nations."
