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Edinburgh - Edinburgh Rugby on Tuesday announced the signing of Cheetahs lock Izak van der Westhuizen on a two-year contract.
According to the Edinburgh Rugby website, born in Kimberley, Van der Westhuizen, 26, stands six-foot-five and is regarded as a lineout and restart specialist as well as a formidable ball carrier.
Following up on promising showings in the Springboks Under-18 Academy, Van der Westhuizen was called up to the Cheetahs' Under-19 and Under-21 sides before progressing to the senior squad aged 24. He made his Super Rugby debut against the Brumbies in 2010.
However, a groin injury meant he played only a handful of Super Rugby games during the 2011 season. This year however he has been a mainstay in the Cheetahs' pack, starting all of the Bloemfontein sides matches this season.
Van der Westhuizen, who will arrive in October because of Currie Cup commitments, said: “I want to test myself against the top players in Europe so when I found out Edinburgh Rugby were looking for a player with my skill-set, I was desperate to sign.
Van der Westhuizen will join fellow Cheetahs team-mate WP Nel in Edinburgh.
According to the Edinburgh Rugby website, born in Kimberley, Van der Westhuizen, 26, stands six-foot-five and is regarded as a lineout and restart specialist as well as a formidable ball carrier.
Following up on promising showings in the Springboks Under-18 Academy, Van der Westhuizen was called up to the Cheetahs' Under-19 and Under-21 sides before progressing to the senior squad aged 24. He made his Super Rugby debut against the Brumbies in 2010.
However, a groin injury meant he played only a handful of Super Rugby games during the 2011 season. This year however he has been a mainstay in the Cheetahs' pack, starting all of the Bloemfontein sides matches this season.
Van der Westhuizen, who will arrive in October because of Currie Cup commitments, said: “I want to test myself against the top players in Europe so when I found out Edinburgh Rugby were looking for a player with my skill-set, I was desperate to sign.
Van der Westhuizen will join fellow Cheetahs team-mate WP Nel in Edinburgh.
