Former Lions playmaker signs for Edinburgh

Cape Town - Former Lions playmaker Jaco van der Walt has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with PRO14 outfit Edinburgh Rugby - just two days before their squad departs for the southern hemisphere for the first time.

The 23-year-old will join the squad before they set-off for Bloemfontein and will be available for selection for their game against the Cheetahs.

Van der Walt made his first-team debut for the Golden Lions in 2014 and has since gone on to make 33 appearances in the Currie Cup - scoring 147 points in the process.

He made his Super Rugby debut for the Lions in 2015 and made 22 appearances.

Van der Walt played a role in helping the Lions reach this year's Super Rugby final, where they eventually lost to 25-17 by the Crusaders at Ellis Park.

Earlier this month, Van der Walt was one of the 18 players released from his Lions contract for next season.

"Jaco is a skilful young player who is equally adept at stand-off or fullback. He's an excellent goal kicker and will provide cover in key areas for us," said Edinburgh head coach Richard Cockerill, as quoted by their website.

"We're delighted that he’s chosen to be part of what we're building here at Edinburgh."

The Cheetahs will host Edinburgh Rugby in Bloemfontein on Friday, November 24 at 19:30 SA time.