Emiliano Boffelli signs new contract with Edinburgh ahead of 1872 Cup tie

Edinburgh have received a boost ahead of Friday night’s 1872 Cup decider at BT Murrayfield after Argentine goal-kicker Emiliano Boffelli signed a new two-year deal.

The 27-year-old has been in excellent form for club and country in 2022 and finishes the year as the top points-scorer in the world at international level with 146.

Boffelli – who was named Edinburgh’s Players’ Player of the Year at the end of his first campaign at the DAM Health Stadium – believes his move to Scotland’s capital city last year has taken his career to a new level.

He insisted he had no hesitation in turning down other options to commit his future to the United Rugby Championship club.

“I am very happy to continue with Edinburgh, it is a club that has helped me smile again and enjoy what I love to do the most, which is playing rugby,” Boffelli told Edinburgh’s website.

“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 branded Boffelli a “world-class player”.

“We’re absolutely delighted to retain the services of Emiliano,” he said.

“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.

“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.”

Boffelli will play at full-back as Edinburgh – who have made seven changes from last Friday’s first leg – try to overturn a 16-10 deficit against Glasgow at BT Murrayfield on Friday and land the 1872 Cup on the 150th anniversary of the inter-city derby’s first staging.

Scotland quartet Blair Kinghorn, Mark Bennett, Sam Skinner and Luke Crosbie all return to the side, while Wes Goosen, Henry Pyrgos and Boan Venter are added to the starting XV for a match set to be played in front of more than 25,000 spectators.

“We’re delighted to welcome back a number of experienced players from injury for this match-up and they’ll be relishing the chance to be back out there representing the city in a game that means so much to us and our supporters,” said Blair.

“We were obviously disappointed with the end result in the opening leg but we showed a real resilience to stay in the match. That grit and determination will be needed once again as we go up against a very strong Glasgow side.”Show less