Edinburgh sign Blues flanker Ruan Steenkamp on short-term deal

Edinburgh have announced the signing of Blues flanker Ruan Steenkamp on a short-term deal ahead of the 2019/20 season.

Steenkamp played his youth rugby with Golden Lions in 2006 and joined Blue Bulls in 2012. His Super Rugby debut with Bulls came in 2017 and played a pivotal role in his side reaching the knock out stage for the first time in the previous season.

The 26-year-old will provide cover to the club during the World Cup and has the experience of captaining South Africa Under 20 side during the 2013 IRB Junior World Championship.

“I’m really honoured to join Edinburgh Rugby and I can’t wait to link up with my new teammates," he told the official website of the club.

“I know a lot about the club having spoken to the South African boys in Scotland and I’m hugely privileged to have been given the chance to represent such a historic side.

“This will be my first time travelling to Scotland, so I can’t wait to make the most of this opportunity while sampling a new and exciting rugby culture.”

Meanwhile Edinburgh director of rugby Richard Cockerill is delighted to secure the services of Steenkamp during the World Cup.

"Ruan is a hard running and abrasive back-row player that plays with a real edge. He has all the qualities that you look for in a flanker while his physicality brings a different dynamic to our pack. We’re really happy to have him on board.

“We will obviously be short handed in the back-row in the early stages of the season due to World Cup selection, so to have a player of Ruan’s quality adding depth to the squad is a real coup for the club.

“He has shown in both Super Rugby and the Currie Cup that he has the ability to turn a match in your favour – whether that is through his carrying or tenacity in defence – so we can’t wait to see what he’ll bring to this club.”