MacLeod played in all of Scotland's RBS 6 Nations matches in 2008 but has not made the squad for this year's championship after a stop-start season.

He has now moved from Llanelli to Edinburgh and is eager to use the switch as a springboard to get his Test career back on track.

In his absence from the scene, Jim Hamilton - his new Edinburgh team-mate - and Nathan Hines have established themselves as a second-row combination to be reckoned with.

And MacLeod is now hoping moving back to Scotland with his young family will help him re-enter Frank Hadden's plans.

He said: “Away from rugby, my wife and I recently had our first baby, so moving back closer to home will make a big difference.

“I’m also good friends with Allan Jacobsen and a lot of the other boys which will make the move a lot easier.

“If I can manage to get into the Edinburgh team then it will benefit my game and could probably increase my chances of playing for Scotland.”