Cheetahs forward heads to Scottish capital

Edinburgh announced the signing on Wednesday of South African prop WP Nel from Super Rugby side Free State Cheetahs.

Subject to a visa, the front-rower will join the Scottish side on a three-year contract after the South African season ends in July.

Edinburgh’s head coach Michael Bradley said: “He has a lot of experience for a 25-year-old prop and will bring a huge amount to our performance on the pitch and to the development of the talented young props we have at the club.”

Nel added: “My experience at the Cheetahs has been fantastic and I can’t thank coach Naka Drotske enough for all that he has done for me

“But when I got the chance to go to Edinburgh Rugby, it was an opportunity to gain new experience and develop my game even further.

“Edinburgh Rugby play a fantastic brand of rugby and I’m really looking forward to lining up alongside some of their world-class players and living in a great city like Edinburgh.

“To be involved in that set-up and experience northern hemisphere rugby and conditions can only improve my game in two great competitions – the Rabodirect PRO12 and the Heineken Cup – and I’m certainly looking forward to the challenge.”