FORMER Scotland star Barry Stewart is gearing up for a return to Premiership rugby north of the border next season.
The five times capped prop forward, now 33, has called a halt to a full-time professional career that took him from Edinburgh Reivers to Sale Sharks and on to Northampton Saints.
Stewart, who successfully revived his involvement in the game despit
e being embroiled in a wrangle with Murrayfield authorities who refused to consider him for further caps due to an insurance issue following injury, is eager to sign off back where he started at Edinburgh Accies.
He said: "Along with my wife Michelle and daughters Isla (3) and Fleur (2) we are ready to return to Scotland as a family.
"All that has to be done is finish up helping some people with a few business interests in England. As for representing Accies for the first time in about 12 years, I would be privileged if they'd consider me for another run-out on Raeburn Place.
"I feel I have picked up a lot of experience since last representing the club and I'd like to wring the last wee bit of rugby I have left into the system that helped me on my way.
"It's a cliched term to talk about putting something back, but that's how I feel and, in the longer term, I'll be looking at coaching options as well."
Initially Stewart, who gained all his caps in 1996 after earning Test spurs against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland, retired amidst concerns over a neck problem.
But extensive medical checks, including some at his own expense, saw him cleared to play and he jumped at the chance of a trial with Sale Sharks organised through former Scotland colleague turned agent, Rowen Shepherd, which led to a contract.
"The last nine years have had fantastic highs and some terrible lows, rugby-wise, but I wouldn't change anything.
"At Sale I came into contact with French internationalists such as Sebastien Bruno, Sebastien Chabal and Lionel Faure and they taught me a lot about refusing to be intimidated on the pitch.
"From there I joined Northampton and, although I was injured at the start of the season, I managed to appear in at least one game in every three if not more.
"At Northampton I was competing with Euan Murray, who rounded off a fantastic season with the club and Scotland by going on the Lions tour.
"However, it is not in my nature to want to play second fiddle to anyone and I feel I still have a bit to give. I prefer to think that I missed out too much through injury to be able to fully catch up last season."
One other remaining challenge for Stewart is to represent the Barbarians having twice been forced to call off, including when the world-famous select side took on Edinburgh Accies to mark that club's 150th anniversary last season.
"Northampton had a cup final coming up at the end of that week so I was thrilled when they nevertheless gave me permission to play.
"But, when I phoned Barbarians officials and told them I could be at the ground a couple of hours before kick-off against Accies, they explained that it was procedure to get together 24 hours in advance, which I respected.
"So, if I continue my playing career there will still be a chance I can fulfil my Barbarians ambition.
"In the longer term, Northampton have had a policy of releasing players out into the amateur game on days when we did not have a game. Through that scheme I did a bit of mentoring around the English midlands, which is a real rugby hotbed, so I'd be up for doing the same back home.
"After all I've worked with some great coaches myself including Bob Easson at Accies and Edinburgh as well as David Leslie (ex-Scotland forwards coach).
"Down south, Jim Mallander and Philippe St Andre made a big impression on me and I'd be drawing on their teachings to help the next generation.
"Certainly by Christmas our family aim to be back in the Edinburgh area which means, so far as returning to Accies is concerned, never say never although it is fair to say I've got to look at all job options just now," said Stewart who had a spell working in the Capital's financial sector between professional rugby stints.
