Michael Willemse (C) of the Southern Kings during the Guinness Pro14 match between Southern Kings and Ulster at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. PHOTO: Michael Sheehan/Gallo Images
Guinness PRO14: Kings Hooker Willemse to further his career in Edinburgh
Michael Willemse will be headed abroad but staying in the Guinness PRO14 as he joins Edinburgh from next season.
Michael Willemse (C) of the Southern Kings during the Guinness Pro14 match between Southern Kings and Ulster at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. PHOTO: Michael Sheehan/Gallo Images
Southern Kings frontranker Michael Willemse will leave the Nelson Mandela Bay outfit at the end of the Guinness PRO14 season to join Scottish club Edinburgh.
The 26-year-old has signed a two-year deal with Edinburgh in the knowledge that being based overseas will no longer shut off opportunities to play international rugby.
Willemse says that he is relishing the prospect of working with former England hooker Richard Cockerill who is head coach at Edinburgh.
In a statement issued by the Southern Kings Willemse said: “I’m truly ecstatic to be joining such a prestigious club with such a rich history.
“It’s an awesome opportunity for me to progress my rugby career. It’s easy to see the professionalism as well as the upward curve that the team and squad is currently undergoing.
“Working with Richard Cockerill is something that I’m really looking forward to. I have no doubt that he will have a positive influence on my personal game and I look forward to learning as much as possible.”
The head coach is hoping that Willemse will bring a dynamic front row game to Edinburgh that will rub off on their home grown talent.
Cockerill said: “Mike has got a lot of experience in Super Rugby. He’s a very competent hooker that plays in the style of Stuart Mclnally.
“He’s all-action, very good over the ball and extremely dynamic. Similar to the South African boys already in the team, we expect him to make a big impression on the squad.
“We’re delighted to have him. We’ve got a good selection of Scottish hookers, but Mike is a guy who’ll be with us all year round and will no doubt push everybody to the next level.”
Staying in the Guinness PRO14
Willemse represented South Africa at under-20 level scoring two tries in three appearances at the 2013 IRB Junior World Championship in France.
The Capetonian who was educated at Grey High joined the Southern Kings in 2017 and has made 36 appearances for the Port Elizabeth outfit, scoring six tries in the Guinness PRO14.
Willemse has Super Rugby experience from his time at the Stormers and has also turned out for the Lions in the Currie Cup.
