EDINBURGH Rugby's chief executive Nic Cartwright has acknowledged the contribution of departing prop Craig Smith on and off the field as the player leaves the club to seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.
The popular 29-year-old, who played with his home town club Berwick and with Melrose before joining the professional ranks, has been released by the Murrayfield-based outfit, allowing him to pursue his career elsewhere.
Smith has been capped 25 t
imes by Scotland, and has the rare distinction of having played against his country when he was picked to face the touring Scots for Nelson Bays in 2000, during a spell in New Zealand.
He has been a frequent contributor to Edinburgh's community programme and also had a spell when he assisted with coaching at Stewart's Melville.
Cartwright said: "We would like to thank Craig for his contribution to the growth of Edinburgh over the past eight years.
"He has played a pivotal role on the pitch and also off the pitch where he has helped us to forge great links with the local rugby public through his community visits.
"We wish him all the very best as he embarks on the next chapter in his playing career."
Smith's decision to quit the club was on the cards after he stood down from the Scotland squad that ended a two-Test tour of Argentina last weekend, saying that he needed a break from the game.
The player, who has the second highest number of appearances for Edinburgh with 167, said: "I've done a bit of soul searching and I'm very grateful to Edinburgh for all the opportunities that I've enjoyed since I came back to Scotland from the Stoke club in Nelson, New Zealand, in 2000.
"But I feel now that a new challenge would be the best thing to give this stage of my rugby career some impetus.
"I'd like to thank Edinburgh and Scottish Rugby for their understanding in agreeing to my request.
"I will leave with many happy memories and pride at playing my part in making Edinburgh, on our day, one of the best teams in the Magners League and an attacking side to be reckoned with in Europe."
Coach Andy Robinson added, "Craig is a good team man.
"I wish him all the best and thank him for his years of service to Edinburgh."
The full article contains 400 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
