Edinburgh are excited by Simon Webster's style of play

Webster said: "I think there's a potential here that needs to be realised and, with the new owners as well, it's a really exciting time.

"The signings we've made show the direction we want to go in and I definitely want to play a big part."

Webster, who has played for Edinburgh for five seasons, is in Scotland's Rugby World Cup training squad.

He represented Scotland A in the Churchill Cup at the end of a season that was disrupted by two separate lower leg and ankle injuries.

We look forward to having him back entertaining the crowds in an Edinburgh jersey next season Edinburgh executive chairman Alex Carruthers

Edinburgh head coach Lynn Howells said: "Simon is a player who fetches more to the game than just playing. He is a good squad member who lifts morale.

"On the playing front, he has the ability to beat defenders and fetches another dynamic to our game, and he now brings stability to our squad as he'll be with us until 2009."

Edinburgh have added Stephen Larkham, Roland Reid, Augusto Allori and Scott Newlands to their squad in recent months.

And Webster joins Scotland team-mates Mike Blair and Hugo Southwell in extending their contracts. Executive chairman Alex Carruthers added: "He makes you sit on the edge of your seat every time he has the ball.

"He is a dynamic individual and a great guy to have around the squad as his enthusiasm is infectious.

"Last year was obviously a frustrating one for him injury-wise and we look forward to having him back entertaining the crowds in an Edinburgh jersey next season."