Bulls flanker signs short-term deal with Edinburgh

Edinburgh have secured the signing of South African back-row Ruan Steenkamp on a short-term contract from Super Rugby franchise the Bulls. 

The former South Africa U20 captain made 10 appearances this season and joins the club subject to a medical and will provide cover during the Rugby World Cup.

Steenkamp – who has played both flanker and number eight for the Super Rugby side – was a key player as the Bulls this season reached the knockout stages of the competition for the first time since 2013.

On joining the club, Steenkamp said: “I’m really honoured to join Edinburgh Rugby and I can’t wait to link up with my new teammates.

“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 added: “Ruan is a hard running 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 short handed 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.”