Wes Goosen among back three trio to sign new Edinburgh deals

Nathan Sweeney has also extended his contract with the capital side as Sean Everitt continues to build his squad for next season.

With just two games left of the regular season against Munster and Benetton, Everitt is keen to ensure he has his team together as early as possible for next season.

Goosen has been an important player this year after having an injury-hit debut campaign with Edinburgh having joined from Hurricanes in 2022.

The 28-year-old former New Zealand U20 international believes Edinburgh are in a great place heading into the new season and can achieve a lot together under Everitt.

The versatile back, equally at home on the wing or at fullback, has been a key part of the club's success this season, and he’s looking forward to more moving forward.

READ MORE: Edinburgh deserve more credit for their season insists Sean Everitt

He said:  "I'm thrilled to be staying on at Edinburgh Rugby for another season. Last year was a bit stop-start with injuries, but I'm really happy with how I've bounced back this time around.

"This new deal feels like a reward for the hard work I've put in. It's been great to be one of the team's most consistent performers, and I want to build on that next season.

"There's a real sense of togetherness in this squad, and I think that's been a big factor in a lot of our wins this season. I'm excited to see what we can achieve together next year.

"Edinburgh feels like home now and I'm looking forward to continuing to contribute to the team's success. The fans have been amazing this season and I can't wait to play in front of them again next year."

He’ll be joined in the Edinburgh team by McCann next season with the Scotland and GB Sevens wing signing a two-year deal.

He has played twice for Everitt this season, with his debut coming against Dragons on the opening day of the URC campaign back in October.

The 26-year-old also played against Lions and was called into Gregor Townsend’s Scotland squad for the Six Nations in January as a replacement for Darcy Graham, although he never made it into a matchday 23.

Now he has the chance to make a mark at Edinburgh over the next two seasons and he said:  “It's a dream come true to sign a permanent deal with Edinburgh Rugby. I've always wanted to play for my hometown club, and now I finally get the chance to do that.

"Edinburgh is home for me. I went to school here and rugby-wise, it’s where it all began for me.

"To be able to sign here and pull on that Edinburgh jersey in front of my family and friends will be an incredible feeling. I can't wait to get stuck in and show everyone what I can do.

"There's a real sense of pride in representing your hometown club and I'm determined to give everything I've got for Edinburgh Rugby. It's a special place to play and I'm excited to be a part of it for the next two years."

Sweeney has also extended his stay at the club for a year with the injury-hit 23-year-old looking to bounce back next season.

Of Goosen, Everitt said:  "We're delighted to have re-signed Wes for another season. He's shown incredible resilience in bouncing back from injury last year and he's thoroughly deserved his place as one of our standout performers this season.

"His work ethic and determination have really shone through this season. He's a constant threat, whether that be at full-back or on the wing, and his positive attitude is a real asset to the squad.

“He's a huge talent, and we're excited to see him continue to develop in an Edinburgh Rugby jersey alongside some of our top-class Scotland internationalists like Darcy Graham and Duhan van Merwe, as well as alongside our younger Scottish back-three players like Harry Paterson and Nathan Sweeney."

The Edinburgh coach said Sweeney's new deal was reward for his efforts off the field.

Everitt added: “This new contract is a testament to Nathan's hard work and determination. We're confident he can return from injury and be a crucial member of the squad next season."

And the South African hopes McCann can transfer his sevens form into the 15-a-side game. 

“We're excited to see what Ross can achieve in an Edinburgh Rugby jersey," he said. 

"He brings with him a wealth of experience from the sevens circuit and we're confident he can develop into a real asset for the team.

“He's a talented winger who is always looking to get involved in the game, and he's not afraid to take on his opposite number. He's also got a great attitude and is always willing to learn and improve.”