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2022's top international points scorer extends stay with Edinburgh
By Online Editors
Edinburgh Rugby has been handed a significant boost ahead of tomorrow night’s 1872 Cup decider at BT Murrayfield with the re-signing of Argentine superstar Emiliano Boffelli, who pens a new two-year deal with the capital club.
Boffelli, 27 – labelled world class by Head Coach Mike Blair – has been one of rugby’s standout stars in 2022, with a series of impressive displays for both club and country.
One of world rugby’s most accurate goalkickers, Boffelli finished the year as rugby’s top points-scorer at international level and was the only player to score more than 100 points in tier-one Test rugby [146], 51 more than second place Richie Mo’unga [95].
Boffelli shot to fame in the summer by kicking 20 points in Argentina’s historic 18-25 win against the All Blacks in Christchurch, while the playmaker notched up an even more impressive 25 points in Los Pumas' 29-30 win against England at Twickenham earlier this year, crossing the whitewash to cap off an inspired performance.
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 – 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 Rugby debut against Dragons in November 2021, scoring after just two minutes at Rodney Parade to get his capital career off to a flyer.
The Argentine star finished his inaugural season at Edinburgh Rugby 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 forEdinburgh. 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.”
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.
“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.
“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 Rugby 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.”
- Edinburgh Rugby
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The boy needs to bulk up if wants to play 10 or 11 to handle those hits, otherwise he could always make a brilliant reserve for the wings if he stays away from the stretcher.
Go to commentsIn another recent article I tried to argue for a few key concept changes for EPCR which I think could light the game up in the North.
First, I can't remember who pointed out the obvious elephant in the room (a SA'n poster?), it's a terrible time to play rugby in the NH, and especially your pinnacle tournament. It's been terrible watching with seemingly all the games I wanted to watch being in the dark, hardly able to see what was going on. The Aviva was the only stadium I saw that had lights that could handle the miserable rain. If the global appeal is there, they could do a lot better having day games.
They other primary idea I thuoght would benefit EPCR most, was more content. The Prem could do with it and the Top14 could do with something more important than their own league, so they aren't under so much pressure to sell games. The quality over quantity approach.
Trim it down to two 16 team EPCR competitions, and introduce a third for playing amongst the T2 sides, or the bottom clubs in each league should simply be working on being better during the EPCR.
Champions Cup is made up of league best 15 teams, + 1, the Challenge Cup winner. Without a reason not to, I'd distribute it evenly based on each leauge, dividing into thirds and rounded up, 6 URC 5 Top14 4 English. Each winner (all four) is #1 rank and I'd have a seeding round or two for the other 12 to determine their own brackets for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. I'd then hold a 6 game pool, home and away, with consecutive of each for those games that involve SA'n teams. Preferrably I'd have a regional thing were all SA'n teams were in the same pool but that's a bit complex for this simple idea.
That pool round further finalises the seeding for knockout round of 16. So #1 pool has essentially duked it out for finals seeding already (better venue planning), and to see who they go up against 16, 15,etc etc. Actually I think I might prefer a single pool round for seeding, and introduce the home and away for Ro16, quarters, and semis (stuffs up venue hire). General idea to produce the most competitive matches possible until the random knockout phase, and fix the random lottery of which two teams get ranked higher after pool play, and also keep the system identical for the Challenge Cup so everthing is succinct. Top T2 side promoted from last year to make 16 in Challenge Cup
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