Wicus Blaauw: Edinburgh to sign South African prop

Edinburgh have signed loose-head prop Wicus Blaauw, subject to a medical, on a two-year contract after the South African's exit from Biarritz.

The 27-year-old will replace Welshman John Yapp, who has joined London Irish on a season-long loan.

Head coach Alan Solomons thinks his fellow countryman Blaauw will enhance his side's power in the scrum.

"He's a very strong loose-head prop and is very good at his core roles, especially scrummaging," said Solomons.

"I believe he will be an asset to Edinburgh Rugby.

"I've seen a lot of Wicus. He's played a lot of games at a high level, for both the Western Province and the Stormers in South Africa, as well as in the French Top 14 and Heineken Cup."

Blaauw started his career with the Leopards in the Currie Cup First Division before joining Western Province and receiving a call-up to Super 15 side the Stormers in 2008.

He spent four seasons at the Cape Town-based side before moving to Biarritz on a one-year deal last summer.

Blaauw, who played 15 times and experienced Heineken Cup action for the French Top 14 side, views the move to Murrayfield as a "great opportunity".

"It's a new challenge and I'm really looking forward to bringing something to the team, while I also think it's the right place to help me improve as a player," he said.

"It's always important to be physical and aggressive in this game at this level.

"I love scrummaging, I love running with the ball and I love tackling.

"These are all things you have to do well and are things I'm looking forward to doing for Edinburgh as part of solid tight five."

His Edinburgh medical is planned for September.