Watson signs two-year deal on busy day for Edinburgh

Rugby: Haining, Willemse, Sau and Nasoko commit to the capital outfit

Scotland’s Hamish Watson declared his intent to win something with Edinburgh after signing a new two-year deal which keeps him at the club until at least 2021.

The 27-year-old was the fifth player to commit his future to the capital outfit on a busy day for the club.

Bristol Bears back-row Nick Haining penned a two-year-deal and will move north in the summer, as will former South Africa under-20 hooker Mike Willemse.

The 26-year-old will join Edinburgh on a two-year deal from league rivals Southern Kings following the conclusion of the Guinness Pro14 campaign.

Perpignan wing and Fiji Sevens star Eroni Sau joins the club on a two-year-deal, as does Fiji Sevens captain Kalione Nasoko.

Watson, capped 25 times and who started at openside flanker in Scotland’s Calcutta Cup encounter against England, said: “I couldn’t see myself playing anywhere else in my career.

“I love it in Edinburgh. The playing group we’ve got, and are building, is absolutely amazing.

“We’ve got a great coaching staff and I want to win something with Edinburgh.

“If that takes two years or 10 years, it doesn’t matter. This group of players and coaches is going places and I love the direction that the club is moving in.”

Head coach Richard Cockerill said: “Hamish is one of the most exciting back-row players in the country, so it’s fantastic that he’ll be representing this club for years to come.

“He’s a leader in the changing room and is so often a match-winner on the field.

“We’re looking forward to watching him develop further and hopefully bring success to this city.”

Haining, a 6ft 4in flanker, will move north in the summer after the current campaign.

He said: “When I spoke to Richard Cockerill about the direction of Edinburgh and the ambition of the club it really excited me.

“I’m looking forward to moving to Edinburgh and starting pre-season (training) in June. I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Cockerill said: “Nick is someone I’ve been looking at for a while.

“He’s Australian but Scottish qualified. He’s a big boy, carries the ball very well and is a good footballer.

“He’ll add some further strength in depth in that back-row where we’ve got a lot of internationals.

“He’s a very good player and he’s keen to put his hand up and try to push himself into the national squad as well.”

“The playing group we’ve got, and are building, is amazing”

Committed: The in-form Hamish Watson