Pierre Schoeman re-signs with Edinburgh Rugby

Fan favourite Pierre Schoeman has re-signed with Edinburgh Rugby, the Club confirmed on Thursday.

Schoeman, 28, puts pen-to-paper on an extension which sees the nine-times capped star commit his long-term future to the capital club in the build-up to the regular-season finale against Glasgow Warriors at BT Murrayfield (Saturday 21 May).

Schoeman joined Edinburgh Rugby in 2018 and has since made 81 appearances for the capital outfit, with the prop making his Scotland debut against Tonga in last October’s Autumn Nations Series opener.

The re-signing is a real statement of intent from Edinburgh and sees Head Coach Mike Blair retain one of world rugby’s most exciting front-row stars.

Schoeman said: “I’m extremely excited about the new deal with Edinburgh and staying in Scotland. My wife and I have bought a house here in the city and we love spending time together in this beautiful country.

“We love it here. We love the fans, the club, the history and tradition of Scotland and the culture at Edinburgh Rugby. My wife and I have really made Scotland our home. Staying here comes with huge privilege but also huge responsibility to give my best every day, every month, every year.”

Schoeman has been in brilliant form in 2021/22 – scoring two tries in 16 appearances so far this season – with the loosehead prop picking up back-to-back Player of the Match awards in last month’s home wins against Bath and Zebre Parma at DAM Health Stadium.

“This season especially has been absolutely amazing in Edinburgh,” continued Schoeman.

“With our new stadium – which has already been sold out this year – and the atmosphere, which is the best as it’s ever been. It really gives us the feeling of home. It really is our castle.

“The one thing I’ve absolutely loved since arriving in Scotland is building that relationship with the fans. Their love is unconditional and the passion they bring to games is unbelievable – from young lads to families, they always give you that energy you need. The fans have been so great with me since arriving and it’s why you put your body on the line every week.

“The whole management at the club is brilliant too. Working with Mike [Blair] has been great – he’s an exceptional coach – and I’ve got a great relationship with Forwards Coach Stevie Lawrie too. They all add to the culture of the team.

Head Coach Mike Blair added: “We’re absolutely delighted to re-sign Pierre – it’s huge for the club and massive for what we continue to build here at Edinburgh.

“We regard Pierre as one of world rugby’s premier looseheads and I think that’s been more evident than ever in his performances this season. His work rate and ability in the loose are key to the way we play and he’s a real ‘game-changer’ in the sense he can flip momentum with a brilliant piece of play or physicality.

“We love Pierre here and what’s great is that he’s really made Edinburgh his home. He’s embraced Scottish culture from the get-go and that’s showcased in the way he interacts with fans – they see him as one of their own because of the way he plays for the jersey.

“Pierre comes into training every day with a great attitude and adds to the culture of the club too in terms of the standards he sets professionally but also in the way he interacts with new players and younger guys too.

He makes them feel welcome and part of the team from day one and I’m really looking forward to seeing what Pierre produces in an Edinburgh jersey in the years ahead.”

Schoeman now turns his attention to next weekend’s 1872 Cup decider against Glasgow Warriors on Saturday 21 May, with the latest instalment of world rugby’s oldest intercity derby set to be historic day at Scotland’s national stadium.

All roads lead to BT Murrayfield for one of the most highly anticipated derbies in the professional era as the two sides go head-to-head for the 1872 Cup, Scottish x Italian Shield and Champions Cup qualification.

Schoeman said: “As a club, we’re fully focussed on next weekend’s 1872 Cup clash. It’s huge for us as players and it’s one of the biggest derbies in world rugby.

“Preparations are well underway and I’d encourage all our fans to get along and back us at BT Murrayfield – it’s going to be a brilliant day.”