Hamish Watson commits future to Edinburgh as club sign four players

Scotland International Hamish Watson has signed a new two-year deal at Edinburgh, becoming the fifth different player to commit their future to the club in a day.

Watson won his 25th international cap in Scotland's thrilling Calcutta Cup clash against England and will remain with the PRO14 club until at least 2021.

The 27-year-old flanker, who signed his first professional contract with Glasgow in 2011, follows the signings of Fiji Sevens duo Eroni Sau and Kalione Nasoko, along with back-row Nick Haining and hooker Mike Willemse.

"I couldn't see myself playing anywhere else in my career. I love it in Edinburgh. The playing group we've got, and are building, is absolutely amazing," Watson said.

"We've got a great coaching staff and I want to win something with Edinburgh. If that takes two years or 10 years, it doesn't matter.

"This group of players and coaches is going places and I love the direction that the club is moving in."

Watson, who returned from a broken hand to play in the final two Six Nations matches, has been described as "one of the most exciting back-row players in the country" by Cockerill.

"He's a leader in the changing room and is so often a match-winner on the field. We're looking forward to watching him develop further and hopefully bring success to this city," Cockerill said.

Fiji winger Sau has signed on a two-year contract from Perpignan, while Fiji Sevens captain Nasoko will also join in the summer on a two-year deal, with the pair linking up with countryman Viliame Mata.

Haining is another to make the move to Murrayfield Stadium after signing a two-year deal from English Premiership side Bristol Bears.

He has so far made seven appearances in the Premiership this season - scoring one try in the process - with the Bears currently seven points clear of relegation in ninth place.

Cockerill said: "Nick is someone I've been looking at for a while. He's Australian, but Scottish qualified. He's a big boy, carries the ball very well and is a good footballer.

"He'll add some further strength in depth in that back-row where we've got a lot of internationals. He's a very good player and he's keen to put his hand up and try to push himself into the national squad as well."

Hooker Willemse will join the club from fellow PRO14 side Southern Kings on a two-year deal following the conclusion of the current campaign.