New Zealand-based Samoan prop signs with Edinburgh

The signing comes on the same day that South African lock Anton Bresler left the franchise – by mutual agreement – in order to pursue other opportunities.

Bresler has signed with Premiership outfit Worcester Warriors.

The 25-year-old loosehead prop, Lay, arrives from New Zealand provincial outfit Bay of Plenty Steamers, and joins the club until the end of the season.

Lay featured for Samoa against Scotland during last month's year-end Test at Murrayfield and has five caps for the South Sea Islanders.

"I'm very grateful for this opportunity and I'm really excited to be a part of this team, representing this beautiful city," Lay said.

"I can't wait to get stuck in, work hard and put my hand up for selection."

Edinburgh coach Richard Cockerill added: "Jordan is a young prop with great potential and I'm delighted that he's chosen to join the club at an exciting time of the season.

"He has impressed for Samoa on the international stage and he will no doubt add another dimension to what we're building here at Edinburgh."

Originally from the Samoan capital of Apia, Lay moved to Auckland alongside his younger brother James – who also plays in the front row for Samoa – when he was just three years old.

A product of Auckland's renowned King's College, the prop progressed into the school's first XV, before making the move south to Tauranga's Bay of Plenty Steamers, who compete in the National Provincial Championship.

Lay was handed his Samoan Test debut against Tonga in July of this year, before being selected in the South Sea Islander's squad for their European tour.

The 25-year-old packed down against teammates Willem Nel, Stuart McInally and Darryl Marfo in his side's defeat to Scotland in November.