British and Irish Lion Allan Dell signs new Edinburgh Rugby deal

Allan Dell has signed a new deal keeping him at Edinburgh. PICTURE: SNS/SRU

The Scotland loosehead was a surprise late call-up to Warren Gatland’s squad last week and made his tour debut in the Lions’ midweek win over the Chiefs.

It has been a metoric rise for the loosehead, who has grasped the opportunity of Al Dickinson’s injury problems to establish himself with Edinburgh and amass ten Scotland caps before becoming a Lion. He was a sin-bin replacement last Tuesday against the Chiefs, winning a scrum penalty during his cameo, and is on the bench again this morning for the match against the Hurricanes in Wellington.

Dell is joined by Finn Russell among the replacements, while compatriots Greig Laidlaw and Tommy Seymour start the game.

The 25-year-old South Africa-born forward, who also featured in the recent Test wins over Italy and Australia, has extended his club contract until May 2019.

Namibia-born forward Anton Bresler, who becomes Scottish qualified on the residency rule later this year, has also committed himself to Edinburgh for a further year.

New Edinburgh head coach Richard Cockerill said: “I’ve been impressed with Allan’s performances for Scotland on their summer tour and it was pleasing to see him make an impact when he appeared for the Lions off the bench against the Chiefs.

“Anton is a physical player and has been a key player for Edinburgh in recent seasons.

“Both Allan and Anton are experienced professionals, so I’m looking for both of them to really push our young players on and help set the standard for Edinburgh going forward.”

Dell gained his first Scotland cap in the opening game of the 2016 November Test Series game against Australia, and has featured for the national team in every match since. He has also made 39 appearances for Edinburgh since joining in 2013.

Bresler joined in the summer of 2014 from Super Rugby side The Sharks and has gone on to make 53 appearances in black and red.