Goosen extends terms after stellar second season

• 14 May 2024
• News

Wes Goosen has signed a new one-year extension with Edinburgh Rugby, adding further shine to a stellar second season in the Scottish capital.

The back-three livewire, 28, has been one of Edinburgh Rugby’s most consistent and impressive performers this current campaign, bouncing back from an injury hit debut season to feature in 20 games so far this year (18 as a starter).

Goosen has topped several of Edinburgh’s key attacking stats this season – having so far made 1036 carry metres while beating 51 defenders – and was voted Scottish Building Society Player of the Month in December.

Goosen’s extension follows new deals for Scottish wingers Nathan Sweeney (one-year contract) and Ross McCann (two-year contract), both announced earlier today.

On extending terms, Goosen said: “I’m thrilled to be staying on at Edinburgh Rugby for another season. Last year was a bit stop-start with injuries, but I’m really happy with how I’ve bounced back this time around.

“This new deal feels like a reward for the hard work I’ve put in. It’s been great to be one of the team’s most consistent performers, and I want to build on that next season.

“There’s a real sense of togetherness in this squad, and I think that’s been a big factor in a lot of our wins this season. I’m excited to see what we can achieve together next year.

“Edinburgh feels like home now and I’m looking forward to continuing to contribute to the team’s success. The fans have been amazing this season and I can’t wait to play in front of them again next year.”

Goosen – who was born in South Africa but grew up in New Zealand – was a New Zealand Schools representative in 2013.

He then played age grade rugby for New Zealand at U20 level, where he helped the Baby Blacks to an Oceania Rugby U20 Championship title in 2015.

Equally adept at wing, full-back and outside-centre, Goosen scored an impressive 30 tries in 66 appearances for Super Rugby side Hurricanes before joining Edinburgh ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Goosen scored a try on debut against Zebre Parma in October 2022 however injuries meant the winger made just 10 appearances in his debut campaign in the Scottish capital.

‘Goose’ has bounced back in fine fashion in 2023/24 however, with the former Hurricanes man now a regular in the capital backline, grabbing scores against Connacht, Clermont, Castres Olympique and Scarlets so far this campaign.

Head Coach Sean Everitt added: “We’re delighted to have re-signed Wes for another season. He’s shown incredible resilience in bouncing back from injury last year and he’s thoroughly deserved his place as one of our standout performers this season.

“His work ethic and determination have really shone through this season. He’s a constant threat, whether that be at full-back or on the wing, and his positive attitude is a real asset to the squad.

“He’s a huge talent, and we’re excited to see him continue to develop in an Edinburgh Rugby jersey alongside some of our top-class Scotland internationalists like Darcy Graham and Duhan van Merwe, as well as alongside our younger Scottish back-three players like Harry Paterson and Nathan Sweeney.”