South African forward extends Edinburgh stay
CONTRACT EXTENSION: South African born Scotland international Pierre Schoeman has extended his stay in the Scottish capital after signing a three-year deal.
The 30-year-old has been a cornerstone of both club and country since joining the capital side in 2018, solidifying his status as a fan favourite from the moment he arrived in Edinburgh.
The prop qualified for Scotland through residency in 2021 and has since developed into one of the best looseheads in world rugby, earning 37 caps so far for his adopted nation.
‘Schoooo’ as he is affectionately called by Edinburgh and Scotland fans alike, was ever-present in the 2022, 2023 and 2024 Six Nations and he featured at Rugby World Cup 2023 in games against South Africa, Tonga and Ireland.
Schoeman etched his name in the club’s history books last season when he became Edinburgh Rugby’s 39th centurion, joining front-row legends Allan Jacobsen, Craig Smith, Ross Ford and WP Nel in the coveted ‘centurions club’.
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On penning a new long-term deal, Schoeman said: “I’m truly honoured to be staying in Edinburgh for at least another three years.
“My wife Charissa and I have loved every minute of our time here in Scotland and this is home for us now.
“We have bought a house here and our life is here – it was an easy decision to re-sign with a club that means so much to me.”
The re-signing of Schoeman is a real statement of intent from Edinburgh Rugby who retain the services of a player in high demand, with Schoeman himself admitting he did receive offers from elsewhere.
Schoeman continued: “There were other clubs interested, but I have unfinished business here in Edinburgh.
“I love this group and we have so much we want to achieve as a team.
“I look around the changing room and there is so much talent.
“We’re a family here and I genuinely couldn’t be happier to have re-signed.”
Schoeman’s on-field success is matched by his dedication to the community.
“Last season, the prop shaved off his iconic blonde hair to raise over £10,000 for the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, picking up the club’s Community Player of the Year award.
Schoeman continued: “I feel a deep connection to Edinburgh, as both a club and city, and this new deal allows me to repay the incredible support I’ve received from every fan on my journey.
“Representing this club is an immense honour, and my responsibilities extend beyond the pitch.
“I have a responsibility to the community and our great sponsors and partners that I take very seriously. I want to leave a lasting legacy here.”
Head Coach Sean Everitt – who welcomed the re-signing of star winger Duhan van der Merwe in recent weeks – has hailed Schoeman’s impact on the team, describing the prop as a ‘world-class’ talent.
Everitt added: “Pierre [Schoeman] brings an incredible energy to everything he does, whether that’s in the gym, on the training paddock, or on match day for both Edinburgh and Scotland.
“He’s developed into a world-class prop and he is a brilliant example for all our younger players because Pierre gives nothing less that 100% – he is fully committed to making himself and the others around him better every day.
He continued: “Pierre is a fan favourite because of his commitment to the jersey and its absolutely brilliant news that we’ve been able to re-sign him on a new long-term deal.
“I’m sure this will be a welcome extra Christmas gift for all our supporters ahead of Saturday’s 1872 Cup decider.”
Picture credit @edinburghrugby
Go behind the scenes of both camps during the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa in 2021. Binge watch exclusively on RugbyPass TV now
