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'Seems like a perfect fit': Edinburgh confirm Wes Goosen signing
By Kim Ekin
Edinburgh have completed the signing of Hurricanes winger Wes Goosen, who will join the Scottish capital club ahead of the 2022/23 season. A club statement read: “Goosen, 26 – who was born in South Africa and qualifies for New Zealand through residency – will link up with Mike Blair’s squad this summer following the conclusion of the Super Rugby season.
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“A New Zealand schools representative in 2013, Goosen 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 both wing and outside-centre, Goosen has scored an impressive 30 tries in 66 Super Rugby appearances for the Wellington side since making his debut in 2016.
“Born in the South African city of East London, Goosen moved to New Zealand with his family aged four, initially settling in Auckland before moving south to the nation’s capital, Wellington. He first played provincial rugby for Wellington in the 2014 ITM Cup and became a regular starter the following year, scoring two tries in nine matches. The winger also played in the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup, scoring four tries in eleven games.
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“Goosen enjoyed a breakout season in 2019 – scoring eight tries in 13 Super Rugby appearances – and has been an?ever-present?attacking threat this season, starting every match he has featured in so far (eight), with Hurricanes currently fifth in the Super Rugby standings.”
Goosen said: “I’m so excited and ready for a new challenge. From what I’ve heard, Edinburgh is an amazing place to live and the club seems like a perfect fit for me in my career right now. After speaking to Mike (Blair, the head coach) it ended up being an easy decision. Edinburgh’s values aligned with mine and they are a family-oriented club too.
“Supporters can expect consistency from me. I’m a determined and selfless player who is hungry to make sure we take home the win. I’m looking forward to taking what I’ve learnt in my years in New Zealand and giving it my all in Edinburgh. I’ve watched a few Edinburgh games this year which makes me really excited to get out there and play alongside the current players.
“I really like what Mike is doing with the attack. It’s such an exciting brand of rugby. I can’t wait to play in the Champions Cup. It makes the move even more exciting. I’m looking forward to meeting everybody and then getting into the season and giving it our all as a team.”
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Edinburgh boss Blair added: “We believe this is a fantastic signing and think Edinburgh supporters will love what they’re getting in Wes. He’s quick, explosive and a brilliant finisher to boot. He’ll bring a new dynamic to an already exciting back-three unit who have been impressive all season.
“Having someone of Wes’ experience in the squad will also be key in helping the development of our younger backs, who’ll all be pushing for more minutes next season. We’re really looking forward to welcoming Wes to Edinburgh this summer and I’m sure supporters will be excited to see him pull on the jersey and represent the club at DAM Health Stadium.”
