Goosen signs for Edinburgh
TRANSFER NEWS: Edinburgh completed the signing of Hurricanes wing Wes Goosen who will join the capital club ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Goosen, 26 – who was born in South Africa and qualifies for New Zealand through residency – will link up with Mike Blair’s squad following the conclusion of the Super Rugby season.
A New Zealand Schools representative in 2013, Goosen played age-grade rugby for New Zealand at U20 level where he helped the Baby Blacks to an Oceania Rugby U20 Championship title in 2015.
Equally adept at both wing and outside-centre, Goosen has scored an impressive 30 tries in 66 Super Rugby appearances for the Wellington side since making his debut in 2016.
✈️🇳🇿 Meet your new 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐧.
Joining from @Hurricanesrugby this summer… Kiwi flyer and try-scoring star, Wes Goosen! 🔥#WelcomeWes // #AlwaysEdinburgh pic.twitter.com/6kgCu2MOiV
— Edinburgh Rugby (@EdinburghRugby) May 26, 2022
Goosen said: “I’m so excited and ready for a new challenge. From what I’ve heard, Edinburgh is an amazing place to live and the club seems like a perfect fit for me in my career right now.
“After speaking to Mike [Blair, Head Coach] it ended up being an easy decision. Edinburgh’s values aligned with mine and they are a family-oriented club too.”
Born in the South African city of East London, Goosen moved to New Zealand with his family aged four, initially settling in Auckland before moving south to the nation’s capital, Wellington.
Goosen first played provincial rugby for Wellington in the 2014 ITM Cup and became a regular starter the following year, scoring two tries in nine matches. The winger also played in the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup, scoring four tries in 11 games.
Goosen enjoyed a breakout season in 2019 – scoring eight tries in 13 Super Rugby appearances – and has been an ever-present attacking threat this season, starting every match he’s featured in so far (8), with Hurricanes currently fifth in the Super Rugby standings.
“Supporters can expect consistency from me,” continued Goosen.
“I’m a determined and selfless player who is hungry to make sure we take home the win. I’m looking forward to taking what I’ve learnt in my years in New Zealand and giving it my all in Edinburgh.”
As Edinburgh continue to build for 2022/23 – and with a place in next season’s Champions Cup already secured – Goosen will link up with another new recruit in Scotland international Sam Skinner, plus recently re-signed Scotland caps Pierre Schoeman, Grant Gilchrist, Mark Bennett, Blair Kinghorn, Damien Hoyland and Luke Crosbie.
Goosen added: “I’ve watched a few Edinburgh games this year which makes me really excited to get out there and play alongside the current players. I really like what Mike is doing with the attack. It’s such an exciting brand of rugby.
“I can’t wait to play in the Champions Cup. It makes the move even more exciting. I’m looking forward to meeting everybody and then getting into the season and giving it our all as a team.”
Edinburgh head coach, Mike Blair, said: “We believe this is a fantastic signing and think Edinburgh supporters will love what they’re getting in Wes.
“He’s quick, explosive and a brilliant finisher to boot. He’ll bring a new dynamic to an already exciting back-three unit who’ve been impressive all season.
“Having someone of Wes’ experience in the squad will also be key in helping the development of our younger backs, who’ll all be pushing for more minutes next season.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming Wes to Edinburgh this summer and I’m sure supporters will be excited to see him pull on the jersey and represent the club at DAM Health Stadium.”
