FINDING new challenges to sustain a career when he is his country's record cap-holder and has faced virtually all the leading club and international sides around the world might seem tough, but Chris Paterson does not struggle for motivation.
The 30-year-old was termed a 'summer signing' at Edinburgh's press conference yesterday to announce a new, four-year kit deal with Rhino Rugby, the equipment specialist which has Martin Johnson, the England manager, as a director and has moved into
kit manufacturing this year.
Paterson has rejoined Edinburgh, after a brief sojourn in the Guinness Premiership with Gloucester, but clearly seven years in the capital ensure he remains a familiar face. There have, however, been derogatory mutterings that Paterson could not hack life in the intense Premiership.
That ignores the fact Edinburgh's coaching staff changed when he was away, and new head coach Andy Robinson heightened the pressure by suggesting he did not view Paterson as a winger, where he has played most of his rugby in recent years. That leaves him facing battles with Hugo Southwell and Phil Godman, who started for Scotland at full-back and stand-off in the last, successful, Test match against Argentina, to win a starting berth when the action begins with friendlies at home to Wasps (23 August) and away to Bath (29 August).
"Yeah, that's me taking the easy route," Paterson laughs, half in jest, half in a serious retort to the sceptics he is aware of.
"Anyone who says this was an easy option should have been here at training in the last two weeks, or take a closer look at the strength in depth Edinburgh now have."
The astute Borderer has refused to divulge exactly what went on last summer when the previous Edinburgh owners fought for control with the Scottish Rugby Union, but he clearly believed he had to leave Scotland. He could have remained at Kingsholm and given himself a better opportunity than last season's fragmented eight months offered, but still he would have had the disruptions of Test duty through the year.
"It never crossed my mind to retire from international rugby," he said, his face stern. "Yes, committing yourself to a full season would make it easier, because the biggest problem was that I wasn't there long enough.
"At Gloucester, I was surrounded by more senior and experienced players who could help and develop my game. Now, I think we've got more of that at Edinburgh. A year ago, a big aspect of my training was helping young players coming through, which was great and I'll still do it if I can, but I still need that (personal development] as well. The coach is a big factor too. Andy's attention to detail is immaculate, he demands improvement in everything and he has the knowledge to improve you as a player, that's what I've always wanted in my career."
Robinson also views Paterson as both a full-back and stand-off, so might the player finally have the chance to develop in the pivotal role in which he made his name as a teenager?
"I don't know how it will pan out," he added, smiling. "I do know that to play stand-off at this level you have to be playing there all the time; it's not a position you can drift in and out of.
"For the sake of the team more than the individual there has to be consistency in selection, but I just want to be on the field – I've played a host of positions and I don't see that changing now.
"Now I'm just looking forward – to both the new challenge at Edinburgh and trying to improve as a player."
The full article contains 628 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
