NEW DEAL FOR SCHOEMAN

PIERRE SCHOEMAN has given Scotland and Edinburgh Rugby a massive boost by signing a three-year contract extension with the capital club — and revealing that he intends to keep playing for the next ten years. The 28-year-old South African, who qualifies for the Scots through residency, believes that his best years in the game are still ahead of him. And fans’ favourite Schoeman, who thought supporters were shouting ‘boo’ rather than ‘Schoo’ at him when he first arrived on these shores five years ago, was delighted to hear Edinburgh head coach Mike Blair describe him as ‘one of world rugby’s premier looseheads’. He said: ‘I have ambitions to be one of the best looseheads in the world. I do follow the likes of Ellis Genge, Andrew Porter, Steven Kitshoff, Ox Nche — all the top

looseheads. I want to be up with the best so every day I come in and work hard, but sometimes it’s about mentality as well. It’s about being switched on. ‘Mike’s compliment about me being up there with the best is a massive confidence booster but, like Spiderman’s father said, it’s a great responsibility as well! ‘They joked about my next Edinburgh deal after this including being the mascot for the DAM Health Stadium as well, as a Highland cow. I’m working on the hair, as you can see. But, like I say, it’s another ten years playing for me. I’ll definitely play another ten years.’ Edinburgh head coach Blair said: ‘We’re absolutely delighted to re-sign Pierre as it’s huge for the club and massive for what we continue to build here at Edinburgh.’