Short-term deal takes Steenkamp to Edinburgh

Edinburgh have signed South African back-row Ruan Steenkamp on a short-term deal from Super Rugby side Vodacom Bulls.

The former South Africa Under-20s captain joins the club subject to a medical and will provide cover during the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Steenkamp, 26, who has played both flanker and number eight for the Super Rugby side, said: “I’m really honoured to join Edinburgh Rugby and I can’t wait to link up with my new team-mates.

“I know a lot about the club having spoken to the South African boys in Scotland and I’m hugely privileged to have been given the chance to represent such a historic side.

“This will be my first time travelling to Scotland, so I can’t wait to make the most of this opportunity while sampling a new and exciting rugby culture.”

Head coach Richard Cockerill revealed his enthusiasm for the man from Krugersdorp.

He said: “Ruan is a hardrunning and abrasive back-row player that plays with a real edge.

“He has all the qualities that you look for in a flanker while his physicality brings a different dynamic to our pack.

“We’re really happy to have him on board.

“We will obviously be shorthanded in the back-row in the early stages of the season due to World Cup selection, so to have a player of Ruan’s quality adding depth to the squad is a real coup for the club.

“He has shown in both Super Rugby and the Currie Cup that he has the ability to turn a match in your favour – whether that is through his carrying or tenacity in defence – so we can’t wait to see what he’ll bring to this club.”

Steenkamp came through the ranks at Johannesburg-based side Golden Lions before joining the Blue Bulls prior to the 2012 season.

The back-row made his Currie Cup debut for the Blue Bulls in September 2015 and his Bulls’ Super Rugby debut against the Stormers in February 2017.

He made 21 appearances for the Pretoria-based club in two full seasons at Loftus Versfeld.

Ruan Steenkamp: Will provide cover during the World Cup.