Prop pairing put pen-to-paper on new deals

• 1 Apr 2024
• News

Edinburgh Rugby has confirmed contract extensions for tighthead prop pairing Angus Williams and D’Arcy Rae.

Scottish qualified front-row Williams has put pen-to-paper on a new two-year extension while Scotland internationalist Rae signs a new one-year deal.

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Sean Everitt said: “We’re delighted to see both Angus [Williams] and D’Arcy [Rae] extend terms with the club.

“They are both really consistent trainers who bring the same energy and commitment every day. I’ve been really impressed with both players during my time at the club.

“Angus and D’Arcy both have a bit of grit and resolve about their game, while they enjoy the daily grind of improving themselves, whether that’s in the gym or on the training paddock.

“It’s brilliant to have two quality players signed up for next season, adding further strength and depth to the tighthead position.”

Kiwi-born Williams, 30 – who qualifies for Scotland through his Edinburgh-born mother – has been a consistent performer in the capital pack since signing his first professional deal in 2021, having originally joined on a partnership contract with FOSROC Super Series side Watsonians.

Born and raised in the coastal town of Whitianga in New Zealand’s North Island, Williams attended St Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton for his final year, and then studied for two Bachelor degrees – one in Physical Education, Exercise and Sports Science, and one in Science (nutrition) – at Otago University.

During that time he played over 100 games for the university’s rugby club, helping them to three Otago Metropolitan Premier Club Rugby titles, while gaining recognition with New Zealand Universities.

Williams joined FOSROC Super Series side Watsonians ahead of the 2020/21 season however was made to wait his first appearance for the Myreside club due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He then made his professional debut with Edinburgh Rugby in the away victory over Connacht in March 2021, becoming Edinburgh player #1289.

On extending terms, Williams said: “I’m delighted to be staying. Edinburgh is home to me and my partner Toni and we have become very settled here. We love the city.

“The club is in a great place across the board. Sean [Everitt] has come in and challenged us as a group and I feel we are in a brilliant place to excel this season.”

He added: “I have developed massively since joining Edinburgh. It’s credit to the environment created by the players and coaches at the club.

“We have a great group, where everyone is hungry to succeed, willing to share knowledge and push each other forward.

“The quality of props at the club is fantastic and the competition is fierce. We all want to compete for the starting jersey. It’s important that we continue to challenge each other to develop further. We’re all desperate to bring the team success.”

Scotland internationalist Rae joined the club in October 2023 following spells at Montpellier and Bath.

Rae’s rugby roots can be found in the west of Scotland, having been part of an Ayr side that won the Premiership, Scottish Cup, and the Bill McLaren Shield in the same season, with Rae playing his part just aged 17.

The prop represented his country through the age grades, playing 18 times at U20 level, having featured in two World Rugby U20 Championships and two Six Nations U20 Championships, before making his full Scotland debut against Ireland during the Six Nations Championship in 2019.

The tighthead’s professional career took flight at Glasgow Warriors – where Rae enjoyed an eight-year spell – a period in which the he had loan spells at Benetton Rugby and London Scottish amidst 85 appearances for the Scotstoun outfit.

Rae then headed to the English Premiership with Bath, where he made 46 appearances in two seasons at The Rec.

He made his Edinburgh Rugby debut in the club’s home EPCR Challenge Cup victory over Castres Olympique in December last year – one of three appearances this season – becoming Edinburgh player #1330.

On extending terms with Edinburgh, Rae said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time in the east so far, getting to know a new club, squad, and fan base.

“Working with Sean [Everitt] and Stevie [Lawrie] has been great. We’ve got a really strong group of props at the club, who all do a top job of driving each other on.

“I’m really happy to be part of the set-up at Edinburgh Rugby for another season.”