Edinburgh have been handed a major boost on the eve of their 1872 Cup decider with Glasgow Warriors after Argentina wing Emiliano Boffelli signed a new deal.
The 27-year-old, who is considered one of the form players of the past 12 months on the club and international circuit, has inked a two-year extension with the Scottish side.
One of rugby’s most accurate goal-kickers, Boffelli finished the year as the top points-scorer at Test level and was the only player to score 100+ points in Tier 1 Test rugby [146], 51 more than second place Richie Mo’unga [95].
Kicked 20 points in win over All Blacks
Boffelli shot to notoriety earlier this year by kicking 20 points in Argentina‘s historic 25-18 win against the All Blacks in Christchurch, while he notched up an even more impressive 25 points in Los Pumas’ 30-29 win over England at Twickenham earlier this year, crossing the whitewash to cap off an inspired showing.
Following the win in London, Argentina head coach Michael Cheika praised Boffelli’s development in the Scottish capital and stated that the back-three star is ‘loving living in Scotland and playing his footy in Edinburgh.’
Boffelli was this month rewarded for his fine form at international level by being awarded the Silver Olimpia Award in Argentina, voted by for sports journalists and given to the country’s top rugby performer.
On penning a new deal with Edinburgh, Boffelli said: “I am very happy to continue with Edinburgh β it is a club that has helped me smile again and enjoy what I love to do the most, which is playing rugby.
“From the first day I arrived, my teammates, coaches, fans and all the people that work at the club made me feel right at home.
“I am really fascinated by the city. Although it is much colder than Rosario, my home Argentine city, I feel that I am getting used to it and finding its charm. Little by little, with my girlfriend, we feel that we are establishing ourselves and enjoying this beautiful city.”
Boffelli made his Edinburgh debut against Dragons in November 2021, scoring after just two minutes at Rodney Parade to get his capital career off to a flyer.
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The Argentine star finished his inaugural season at Edinburgh with 172 points in 18 appearances and was named Players’ Player of the Season at the club’s Annual End of Season Awards.
Boffelli continued: “I am really enjoying being part of this team. We have very good players and coaches but, above all, very good people. It’s a privilege to play for Edinburgh. I think that I have quickly established myself here and become part of the group.
“Ultimately, I’ve chosen to stay because, despite having other interesting options, I feel that this is the club where I want to be and where they’ll help me improve every day to become a better player, and, more importantly, a better person.”
Edinburgh head coach Mike Blair said: “We’re absolutely delighted to retain the services of Emiliano. He’s a world-class player who is clearly loving his rugby right now.
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“Boff has been incredible on the pitch since joining us last season while he’s also a hugely popular member of the squad who commands respect throughout the changing room because of his commitment to the jersey.
Vote of confidence from the Pumas star
“Boff loves being part of this club and squad, and that’s clearly been a huge factor in his decision to re-sign. He would have had his fair share of suitors given his form, so it’s a real vote of confidence that he’s committed his future to the team.”
Douglas Struth, Edinburgh’s managing director, added: “This is a really significant re-signing for the club, and a huge amount of work has gone in across the board to structure this deal.
“Emiliano would have undoubtedly had a number of high-profile options elsewhere, but the fact that a truly world-class and ambitious player is so happy to stay with Edinburgh Rugby long-term is testament to the positive direction that the club continues to move in.
“I’m sure, like all of us at the club, our supporters will be delighted with this news as we head into tomorrow night’s decisive 1872 Cup derby.”