SCHOEMAN COMMITS TO FUTURE IN CAPITAL

Edinburgh and Scotland prop Pierre Schoeman has pledged his long-term future to the club.

The 28-year-old has made 81 appearances since joining Edinburgh in 2018 and won nine Scotland caps.

After signing his new contract, South Africanborn Schoeman said: “I’m extremely excited about the new deal with Edinburgh and staying in Scotland. My wife and I have bought a house here in the city and we love spending time together in this beautiful country.

“We love it here. We love the fans, the club, the history and tradition of Scotland and the culture at Edinburgh Rugby. My wife and I have really made Scotland our home.

“Staying here comes with huge privilege but also huge responsibility to give my best every day, every month, every year.”

Head coach Mike Blair added: “We’re absolutely delighted to re-sign Pierre – it’s huge for the club and massive for what we continue to build here at Edinburgh.”

• England have been confirmed as hosts for the 2025 women’s World Cup as World Rugby mapped out all destination countries for its global events until 2033.

Australia is to stage the 2027 men’s competition as well as the 2029 women’s event, it was agreed at a council meeting in Dublin yesterday morning.

And in a first for the sport, the United States has been approved for the 2031 men’s and 2033 women’s tournaments in the hope of growing interest in America.

The Rugby Football Union forecasts that it will provide a £156 million uplift to the UK economy and has set the target of organising the best-attended women’s World Cup in history.