The 27-year-old has been a first-team regular with Edinburgh since moving to the Scottish capital from Worcester in September 2003.

And he reached 100 games for Edinburgh when Andy Robinson's side played Glasgow Warriors at Firhill Arena in April of this year.

His performances for his club were recognised with a Scotland call-up very early in his career north of the border and since then he has consistently been part of the national squad.

Now Southwell is eager to reach the 50-cap club for Scotland and make a real mark on the Test and European scene.

"Since I joined Edinburgh it has been a special time. I didn't expect to be playing international rugby at the end of my first year, but that was something I achieved," he said.

"I've got nearly 50 caps for Scotland now and have played 100 times for Edinburgh. In a five-year span, I'm pretty pleased with how everything has worked out and now I want to go on to bigger and better things."