EDINBURGH Rugby stalwart Chris Dean has been named Scottish Building Society Player of the Month for May.

The club centurion was at the peak of his powers and played a pivotal role against Wasps, Glasgow Warriors and DHL Stormers.

The centre displayed all his attacking prowess throughout the period, capping off an impressive month by putting pen-to-paper on a new deal with the club.

Dean, of North Berwick, marked his return to the starting line-up in impressive fashion and was at the heart of much of the Capital side’s attacking work.

Against Wasps, he kickstarted a flowing move that led to Ben Vellacott’s ‘Try of the Season’, before getting his arms free to offload and release Magnus Bradbury for his score against the English Premiership side.

Sponsored and backed by Scottish Building Society, Edinburgh Rugby’s main club partner will donate £500 to Dean’s charity of choice, the Simpsons Special Care Babies charity.

East Lothian Courier: Centre Chris Dean (pictured) has picked up the final Scottish Building Society award of the season. Picture: Edinburgh RugbyCentre Chris Dean (pictured) has picked up the final Scottish Building Society award of the season. Picture: Edinburgh Rugby

The former Law Primary School pupil chose to support the fundraising efforts of the club’s physiotherapist Jamie Coffey, who next month takes part in a 450-mile relay from Gretna Green to John O’Groats in aid of the Edinburgh-based charity.

Dean, 28, was delighted to pick up the award. He said: “It was an enjoyable month with there being such big games, the highlight being the 1872 Cup win at BT Murrayfield, which was a great day.

“The generous donation from Scottish Building Society is going towards the ‘Stride for Simpsons’ challenge being taken on by a member of our physio team and his family.

“Its aim is to raise funds for the special care unit at the Edinburgh Royal Neonatal Unit, where the family received immense care for their premature baby boys.

“It holds a special place in their heart and any further donations to the challenge would be most welcome.”

Mike Blair, Edinburgh Rugby head coach, added: “It’s thoroughly deserved after a really strong run of games in the number 12 jersey throughout May.

“Edinburgh Rugby means a lot to Chris and that was really evident in the way he battled to earn his spot in the starting XV. He took his opportunity brilliantly and played a key role in setting up some decisive tries for the team.”