Puma in the Edinburgh pack
Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:46
Edinburgh have strengthened their front-row reserves with the signing of Argentine prop Ulises Gamboa from Pro12 rivals Aironi until the end of the season.
The 8-Test prop, who can play on either side of the scrum, has been brought in to strengthen the club's options up front, with three players currently unavailable due to international selection and injury.
Top props Allan Jacobsen and Geoff Cross are both on Six Nations duty with Scotland and are set to continue the six-week campaign against Wales at the Millenium Stadium this Sunday, while Lewis Niven is out injured with a back strain.
Head coach, Michael Bradley, said: "Ulises is a prop of considerable experience, having been capped for one of the set-piece powerhouses of world rugby [Argentina]. He'll provide valuable support for the squad until the end of the season when we'll reassess his place at the club.
"Edinburgh Rugby provide more players to the Scotland national team than any other club (nine) and, while it's great for the players, the club and its fans to have such strong international representation, the availability of Ulises [Gamboa] is welcomed at a time where we look to reach a place in the Pro12 that reflects our performances in the Heineken Cup," he added.
Gamboa is available for selection for the club's return to Pro12 action against Ospreys at Murrayfield this Friday and will be added the club's Heineken Cup squad for the quarterfinal against Toulouse at Murrayfield in April.