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Kings star heads to Edinburgh

TRANSFER NEWS: Kings hooker Michael Willemse has signed a two-year contract with Edinburgh.

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The 26-year-old will join the club following the conclusion of the current PRO14 campaign.

On joining the capital club, Willemse, said: “I’m truly ecstatic to be joining such a prestigious club with such a rich history.

“It’s an awesome opportunity for me to progress my rugby career. It’s easy to see the professionalism as well as the upward curve that the team and squad is currently undergoing.

“Working with Richard Cockerill is something that I’m really looking forward to. I have no doubt that he will have a positive influence on my personal game and I look forward to learning as much as possible.”

Willemse comes with loads of experience having played for Western Province, Stormers and Junior Springboks before joining the Southern Kings in 2017 – where he made 36 appearances for the Port Elizabeth outfit and scored five tries thus far.

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Head Coach Richard Cockerill, said: “Mike has got a lot of experience in Super Rugby. He’s a very competent hooker that plays in the style of Stuart Mclnally.

“He’s all-action, very good over the ball and extremely dynamic. Similar to the South African boys already in the team, we expect him to make a big impression on the squad.

“We’re delighted to have him. We’ve got a good selection of Scottish hookers, but Mike is a guy who’ll be with us all year round and will no doubt push everybody to the next level.”

Willemse is the second of five signings for the Scottish outfit.

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Earlier, Edinburgh confirmed the signing of back-row Nick Haining from English Premiership side Bristol Bears on a two-year deal.

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