Published: Wednesday, 10th February, 2010 11:58am

Centurian Paterson agrees new contract with Edinburgh

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CHRIS Paterson admits his next objective after becoming Scotland's first Test centurion against Wales on Saturday is to win a trophy with Edinburgh after agreeing a new two year contract.

The 31-year-old rejoined Edinburgh from Gloucester in the summer of 2008 and during his first season back contributed 159 points to help the team to clinch second place in the Magners League.

In his previous three campaigns at Edinburgh, Paterson has contributed an average of 181 points and so far this season he has scored 150 points from 14 appearances.

The world class goal-kicker highlighted two key reasons behind his decision to continue his rugby career with Edinburgh - his hunger to win trophies and the fact he enjoys being part of the set-up.

Paterson said: "I'm delighted to have signed a new contract. Since I returned two years ago, I feel I have improved hugely as a player and I'm as happy as I've ever been as a professional.

"The whole backroom set-up at Edinburgh from the coaches through to the fitness staff and analysis is really good and I enjoy being part of the squad.

"I'm really happy to be here and it is a good environment for me to continue progressing.

"Winning a trophy is a goal for everybody in the squad and the club. We need to cement our progress with a trophy.

"Everyone can see the progress we have made and how hard we compete. We finished second last year and this season we are targeting a place in the play-offs with the aim of going all the way.

"It is all about improving and delivering and I'm excited about the future at Edinburgh."

Head coach Rob Moffat welcomed the news and underlined the fact Paterson has lots more to offer the team than just his accuracy with the kicking tee.

Moffat said: "Everyone knows that Chris is a world-class goal-kicker, but he is also an excellent rugby player.

"There is a lot that Chris brings to the table and, in the absence of Mike Blair and Ally Hogg, he has captained the team very well and he has led by example.

"The way he conducts himself in training and the consistency of his performances have been a real asset.

"He continues to be a very influential player for Edinburgh and I believe that there is plenty of rugby left in Chris.

"The way he goes about his business sets an example to the rest of the squad. The way he trains and the way he applies himself is first class."

Chief executive Nic Cartwright echoed Moffat's sentiments and believes Paterson will continue to be an asset to Edinburgh, both on and off the pitch.

Cartwright said: "Chris has been a consummate professional and excellent ambassador for Edinburgh since he rejoined the club in the summer of 2008.

"On the pitch, he has consistently proved himself to be the best goal-kicker in the world while off the pitch he has helped us to establish a stronger relationship with the rugby public.

"You only have to hear the reaction of the Murrayfield crowd every time his name is called out before a Scotland match to understand his popularity and status within the game.

"But Chris is an incredibly modest individual and his desire to improve is an inspiration to everyone associated with the club."