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Free State Cheetahs prop WP Nel will join Edinburgh next season after the South African leaves the Super 15 club.

The 25-year-old for will sign for the Pro12 outfit on a three-year contract after the South African season ends in July, subject to a visa.

Nel has been an ever-present for the past two seasons.

"But, when I got the chance to go to Edinburgh Rugby, it was an opportunity to gain new experience and develop my game even further," he said.

"Edinburgh Rugby play a fantastic brand of rugby and I'm really looking forward to lining up alongside some of their world-class players and living in a great city like Edinburgh.

"To be involved in that set-up and experience northern hemisphere rugby and conditions can only improve my game in two great competitions - the Rabodirect PRO12 and the Heineken Cup - and I'm certainly looking forward to the challenge."

Nel expressed thanked the Cheetahs for helping him develop his game.

"My experience at the Cheetahs has been fantastic and I can't thank coach Naka Drotske enough for all that he has done for me," he told Edinburgh's website.

Edinburgh this month signed Argentina prop Ulises Gamboa from Pro12 rivals Aironi until the end of the season.

He was signed as cover with Lewis Niven sidelined with injury and Allan Jacobsen and Geoff Cross, who this month signed a contract extension, on Six Nations duty with Scotland.

Edinburgh head coach Michael Bradley was delighted with their latest acquisition.

"He has a lot of experience for a 25-year-old prop and will bring a huge amount to our performance on the pitch and to the development of the talented young props we have at the club," he said.