Edinburgh Rugby has confirmed contract extensions for tighthead prop pairing Angus Williams and D’Arcy Rae.
Scottish qualified front-row Williams has signed a new two-year extension while Scotland internationalist Rae has signed a one-year deal.
Their new deals come less than a week after Edinburgh stalwart tighthead prop WP Nel confirmed he would retire at the end of the season.
READ MORE: Coaches pay tribute to WP Nel after retirement decision confirmed
At the time, head coach Sean Everitt also said they were in discussions with other tightheads, including Northampton Saints' England cap Paul Hill.
READ MORE: Nel retirement confirmed as Edinburgh's replacement hunt begins
Everitt said: “We’re delighted to see both Angus and D’Arcy extend terms with the club.
“They are both really consistent trainers who bring the same energy and commitment every day. I’ve been really impressed with both players during my time at the club.
“Angus and D’Arcy both have a bit of grit and resolve about their game, while they enjoy the daily grind of improving themselves, whether that’s in the gym or on the training paddock.
“It’s brilliant to have two quality players signed up for next season, adding further strength and depth to the tighthead position.”
Kiwi-born Williams – who qualifies for Scotland through his Edinburgh-born mother – has been a consistent performer in the capital pack since signing his first professional deal in 2021, having originally joined on a partnership contract with Super Series side Watsonians.
Born and raised in the coastal town of Whitianga in New Zealand’s north island, Williams moved to Scotland to join Watsonians ahead of the 2020/21 season.
He then made his professional debut with Edinburgh in an away victory over Connacht in March 2021.
On extending terms, Williams said: “I’m delighted to be staying. Edinburgh is home to me and my partner Toni and we have become very settled here. We love the city.
“The club is in a great place across the board. Sean [Everitt] has come in and challenged us as a group and I feel we are in a brilliant place to excel this season.
“I have developed massively since joining Edinburgh. It’s credit to the environment created by the players and coaches at the club.
“We have a great group, where everyone is hungry to succeed, willing to share knowledge and push each other forward.
“The quality of props at the club is fantastic and the competition is fierce. We all want to compete for the starting jersey.
"It’s important that we continue to challenge each other to develop further. We’re all desperate to bring the team success.”
Meanwhile, one-cap Scotland international Rae joined the club in October 2023 following spells at Montpellier and Bath.
Rae’s rugby roots can be found in the west of Scotland, having been part of an Ayr side that won the Premiership, Scottish Cup, and the Bill McLaren Shield in the same season.
The prop represented his country through the age-grades before making his full Scotland debut against Ireland during the 2019 Six Nations.
The tighthead’s professional career took flight at Glasgow Warriors – where Rae spent eight years and played 85 games.
He then spent two seasons with Bath, playing a further 46 games before heading to Edinburgh last summer.
He made his Edinburgh Rugby debut in the club’s home EPCR Challenge Cup victory over Castres Olympique in December, but has found opportunities hard to come by since, making just three appearances this season.
On extending terms, Rae said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time in the east so far, getting to know a new club, squad, and fan base.
“Working with Sean [Everitt] and Stevie [Lawrie] has been great. We’ve got a really strong group of props at the club, who all do a top job of driving each other on.
“I’m really happy to be part of the set-up at Edinburgh Rugby for another season.”
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