Willem Nel pens new three-year deal with Edinburgh

Scotland international tighthead prop Willem Nel has penned a new three-year deal with Edinburgh.

The front-row's contract extension will keep him at the capital club until at least May 2020.

Nel, who is currently sidelined with a neck injury, joined Edinburgh Rugby in 2012 on a three-year deal and has made 102 appearances.

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

"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.

Nel qualified to play for Scotland through residency in 2015 and went on to make his international debut later that year against Italy in Turin.

He has since been awarded 15 Scotland caps - including appearances in all of the national side's Rugby World Cup 2015 and 2016 RBS 6 Nations matches - scoring two tries.

Edinburgh Rugby Acting Head Coach Duncan Hodge, added: "WP is a huge acquisition for the club and Scottish Rugby. It's fantastic that he has decided to commit his future to Edinburgh Rugby.

"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.

"The signing of a long-term contract will also allow our younger players access to an operator of WP's experience, which will prove hugely beneficial for their personal development and the club going forward."