Edinburgh boost as prop WP Nel pens new threeyear contract

Edinburgh have re-signed Scotland prop WP Nel on a three-year contract.

The signing is a major boost for the club ahead of Richard Cockerill’s arrival as head coach in the summer.

The 30-year-old joined Edinburgh in 2012 and has scored 15 tries in 102 appearances.

The South African made his Scotland debut in 2015 after qualifying through the residency rule and has won 15 caps.

A neck injury ruled him out of this year’s RBS 6 Nations.

Nel said: “I’m delighted to be staying at Edinburgh for another three years. It’s an awesome club and I’m looking forward to continuing to play here.

“These are exciting times for everyone involved and I feel that everything is moving in the right direction. It’s been great to see a lot of young talent coming through this season and hopefully I can help with their development in the coming years.

“I was very glad and honoured that Edinburgh and Scottish Rugby approached me with a new deal and there were no second thoughts on re-signing with the club.

“The city, Edinburgh Rugby and its supporters are very close to my heart, and that was a huge factor in our decision to stay.”

Acting head coach Duncan Hodge added: “To have a world-class player in a specialised position remaining at the club is a monumental boost to the squad.

“Props often peak late on in their careers and our fans can now look forward to WP entering this stage of his playing days in an Edinburgh Rugby shirt.”

Meanwhile Scotland hero Ali Price is ready to use his Six Nations experience to help Glasgow salvage a place in the Pro12 title playoffs.

The scrum-half is set to figure in the Warriors plans for Saturday’s crucial home clash with champions Connacht.

And he is confidence of making a seamless transition back to league business – especially if half-back partner Finn Russell is also involved.

Price earned rave reviews for his performances in the Scots No 9 slot after skipper Greig Laidlaw was forced to miss the tussles with Wales, England and Italy.

He said: “My career has been a whirlwind since making my Test debut in the autumn and I have loved it. Having so many of the Glasgow boys around me, particularly Finn at stand off.

“Apart from linking up on the field, we are best mates off it.”

Glasgow chief Gregor Townsend will have all his Scotland contingent available for the Connacht showdown.

New Zealand will play the Barbarians at Twickenham on November 4 after plans for England to face the world champions failed to come to fruition.

Picture: SNS Group. WP Nel is delighted to be staying on at Edinburgh for another three years after signing a new deal. The Scotland prop joined the club in 2012.