Edinburgh fight off rival clubs to confirm signing of Immelman

Edinburgh have beaten off a string of rival suitors to land Montpellier utility back Henry Immelman on a deal to sign for next season.

The 25-year-old South African – who can play across the centres as well as on the wing and at fullback – has spent the last five years with the Top 14 rugby outfit, where he worked with former Scotland coach Vern Cotter.

But he has rejected a number of offers to move elsewhere after opting to join Richard Cockerill’s Murrayfield squad.

Immelman has scored 13 tries in his 75 appearances for Montpellier and Cockerill hopes he will now add an exciting combination of pace, dynamism and power to the Edinburgh backfield.

“We’re delighted to announce Henry has signed for us despite a number of offers from elsewhere,” said the capital club’s head coach.

“He’s a very good player, a big physical ball carrier, with a big boot on him and will really intensify the competition for places in a number of areas in our squad next season.

“He’ll certainly add to our threat in the wide channels where we’ve already got some quality options and players coming through the system.

“We’re putting together a really exciting group for the new season, one which we hope our supporters can see taking shape and can visualise running out before a big crowd at the new stadium.”

Immelman said: “I was really excited when I heard about Edinburgh being interested in me. After five seasons in France, I was considering a new experience in another league, so it was a no-brainer.

“It’s an amazing club with a lot of history and, after speaking to Richard Cockerill, the vision was clear where they saw me fitting in and how I can contribute.

“The PRO14 – especially with the potential for the four new South African sides joining next season – will be a really great league to be part of.”