Rugby: Edinburgh target Cheetahs lock Earle

Edinburgh Rugby are today being linked with a further plunge into the transfer market to sign another highly rated Super-15 star.

George Earle, a 25-year-old uncapped South African second row, is believed to be on Edinburgh’s radar with a view to adding him to a growing ‘foreign legion’.

According to official sources at the Free State Cheetahs Earle has asked to be released from his contract in order to take up an approach from Edinburgh who have already enlisted his prop forward colleague, WP Nel. The Cheetahs website quotes the chief executive of the Griqualand West province, who hold Earle’s contract, as saying the player has asked to be allowed to leave but that it is a matter for the coaching staff.

“I can confirm George asked (that) after the Super Series his contract (is) revoked. This is a decision by the head coach Pote Human” according to Chief Executive Arnie Van Rooyen.

Earle, who is 6ft 6in and 16st, has considerable experience which includes a spell at Johannesburg-based Gauteng Lions. The website further adds to speculation that WP Nel could be looking to qualify for Scotland at the 2015 World Cup and indicates that Earle may have similar ambitions after fulfilling a three-year residency.