Top Saffa quits Montpellier for Edinburgh

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Henry Immelman will leave Montpellier at the end of the European season to join Scottish side Edinburgh.

Immelman learned his trade at the prestigious rugby school Grey College and featured in the U20 provincial championships, CUT Ixias Varsity Cup and Free State XV squads.

He then joined Montpellier in 2016, where he has spent the past five seasons in the French top flight, where he helped the club to a third and first-place regular season finish in 2017 and 2018 (finishing as runners-up in 2018) while former Scotland head coach Vern Cotter was at the helm.

Immelman has scored 13 tries in his 75 appearances for the French club.

In announcing the acquisition of Immelman, the club said in a statement: ‘Edinburgh Rugby is delighted to announce the signing of versatile 25-year-old back Henry Immelman from French Top 14 side Montpellier, adding depth and quality across the outside backs for the capital club.’

Commentating on  his move, Immelman said: ‘I was really excited when I heard about Edinburgh being interested in me. After five seasons in France, I was considering a new experience in another league, so it was a no brainer.’

‘It’s an amazing club with a lot of history and, after speaking to Richard Cockerill [Edinburgh Head Coach], the vision was clear where they saw me fitting in and how I can contribute.

‘The PRO14 – especially with the potential for the four new South African sides joining next season – will be a really great league to be part of and hopefully we’ll see Edinburgh do great things.

‘I just want to get there, do my best, play rugby and experience a new home, a new competition and see what I can give back to Edinburgh.’

Photo: Alexandre Dimou/Icon Sport via Getty Images

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SA Rugby magazine