In-demand Nel opts for Edinburgh stay

Scotland prop WP Nel has signed a new three-year contract with Edinburgh.

The South Africa-born tighthead was linked with Top 14 powerhouses Toulon and Clermont Auvergne after catching the eye for club and country.

But Nel, who missed the Six Nations due to a neck injury, has opted to stay put by putting pen to paper on a contract with the Pro12 strugglers until 2020.

The 30-year-old said: "I'm delighted to be staying at Edinburgh for another three years. It's an awesome club and I'm looking forward to continuing to play here.

"These are exciting times for everyone involved and I feel that everything is moving in the right direction. It's been great to see a lot of young talent coming through this season and hopefully I can help with their development in the coming years.

"The city, Edinburgh Rugby and its supporters are very close to my heart, and that was a huge factor in our decision to stay."

Edinburgh acting head coach Duncan Hodge said: "WP is a huge acquisition for the club and Scottish Rugby. It's fantastic that he has decided to commit his future to Edinburgh Rugby.

"To have a world-class player in a specialised position remaining at the club is a monumental boost to the squad.

"Props often peak late on in their careers and our fans can now look forward to WP entering this stage of his playing days in an Edinburgh Rugby shirt."