Edinburgh wing Wes Goosen is hopeful of agreeing a new deal to keep him at the capital club beyond his current deal which expires in the summer.
Goosen, who joined from New Zealand Super Rugby outfit Hurricanes ahead of last season, endured a difficult first year with Edinburgh due to injuries.
This year has been a different story, with Goosen establishing himself as a regular in a strong Edinburgh back three that also includes Duhan van der Merwe, Darcy Graham, Emiliano Boffelli and, until his departure for Toulouse at the beginning of the year, Blair Kinghorn.
Goosen is currently with the capital club in his native South Africa as they prepare to face Stormers on Saturday.
READ MORE: Sean Everitt details Edinburgh's challenges in South Africa
He hopes to have his future sorted before too long.
The 28-year-old said: “I’ve really enjoyed it. I think the first year was a little bit tough with injuries, and that obviously played a part in me being away from the team.
“But this year I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve played lots of rugby, we’ve been doing really well - we’re winning, we’re competitive.
“I think we’ve got a really good team and if we keep most players around we can be really competitive in the competition.
"I’d like to stay longer. That’s still getting worked out.”
With Graham injured and van der Merwe likely to be rested this weekend after his Six Nations exploits, Goosen could make his first start since January.
He picked up a groin injury in the defeat to Gloucester and although he made a cameo off the bench in the win over Ospreys, he’s looking forward to getting stuck in against familiar opposition.
READ MORE: Darcy Graham set for extended period out with groin injury
Goosen added: “I’m really looking forward to it if I get the chance. They and Leinster are the top teams and you always want to play against the best.
“They’ve got a lot of Springbok players, and the challenge of going against some of the best players is why you play the game, so I’m looking forward to it.
“We’ve got a really strong team over here and I think we can push them if not definitely beat them.”
He admitted his injury meant the Six Nations break came at a good time.
“I missed two games and I was out for six weeks, so it ended up working out quite well,” he added.
Although born in East London on South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Goosen and his family moved to New Zealand when he was four years old.
That means when it comes to international rugby, there’s no question of him supporting the world champions over the All Blacks.
“I’m through and through All Blacks,” he said, before admitting that means a split in the Goosen family loyalties.
“My parents and my brother are Springboks supporters. If South Africa are not playing the All Blacks I’ll support them.”
Currently occupying fourth place in the URC table, Edinburgh are right in the hunt for a home play-off. Goosen said the team is thinking about nothing other than winning both of their matches on tour.
He added: "This team is very competitive. We’ve got a special group and got good players. I think if we just focus on what we do we’ll push them. I’m pretty sure that we’ll beat them.”
Meanwhile, Edinburgh have confirmed hooker Adam McBurney has joined Gloucester on a two-week loan deal.
The hooker, who joined from Ulster ahead of the 2021/22 season, has only made three substitute appearances this season.
Head Coach Sean Everitt: “This is a great chance for Adam to get game time in a quality league, within a really competitive squad.
“Adam is a true pro and will benefit from this short-term opportunity down south.”
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