EDINBURGH have strengthened their squad for the coming season by signing Emiliano Boffelli and Ramiro Moyano, both Argentine internationals. Boffelli, 26, is a versatile back who can play at centre or in the back three. Moyano, five years older, is a full-back who can also fill in on the wing. The two are the first signings made by Mike Blair since he became head coach last week.
“Edinburgh Rugby have been in contact with both players for some time now, so it’s a real boost to have them join what is an already talented squad,” Blair said. “I’m really excited to see both players perform and develop alongside our young Scottish talent. Competition for places is vital, so it’ll be great to see our younger stars improve and benefit from playing alongside guys of their international calibre.
“Both players have the capability to get supporters off their seats. Their arrivals, coupled with record season ticket sales for our new home, really adds to the excitement and anticipation for the coming season.”
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Boffelli has joined after a short spell with Racing 92. “I’m very excited and looking forward to this new challenge,” he said. Edinburgh is a great city. I was able to visit with the Pumas many times and really enjoyed it. Also, I would like to learn more about Scottish culture and history.
“I’m very much looking forward to being involved this coming season and I hope we can achieve something great with Edinburgh. It’s clear to see the club is moving in an exciting direction. The new stadium will really bring excitement to everyone involved and it’ll be great for the Scottish fans.
“For supporters who haven’t watched me play before, I consider myself a team player. I believe because of my versatility – full-back, wing or centre – I can adapt to the different ways of playing. I think I can add something extra to the team and the backline.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to grow and learn as a person and a player and to help the club to accomplish a successful season. Making new friends and connecting with Scottish fans will be fantastic.”
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Moyano, who has been with Toulon for the past two seasons, expressed similar sentiments. “I’m really excited to get over to Scotland,” he said. “I know the city, it’s beautiful, and I know quite a bit about the club too. I’m really happy to be part of the new challenge the club is preparing for.
“It’s awesome to be part of a club that is embarking on a new era, especially with the new stadium. The city breathes rugby and that’s incredible too and I hope a lot of people will come to watch the team play.
“As a winger or full-back, one of my main weapons is my speed, so I love the counter attacks. Another is my rugby intelligence on the field.
“I can’t wait to learn as much as possible while at the club and that will help me grow as a player and person. I really want to get to know Scottish rugby and its history and culture during my time with Edinburgh.”
Both players have signed subject to visa and medical clearance.
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Solid international players with 25 and 34 caps. Got to be good for Edinburgh, still wish for Scottish rugby we could move one of the 3 Glasgow 9’s down the Road – Blair would be an awesome coach for Horne or Dobie. Not sure about the 10’s either but this will certainly strengthen the midfield and back 3.
Ive seen comments like this a lot. But to be honest i think its succession planning by Glasgow. They know Price will probably be away next summer, so ive they lose Horne or Dobie to Edinburgh now, they will have issues next summer.
Edinburgh have Shiel, who could easily end up as good as Horne under Blair. think he was grossly mis-used by Cockers. As it stands Glasgow an have four and Edinburgh three full time scottish 9s and think Blair could get the best out of Shiel and Vellacott to the point where calls for Horne and Dobie are forgotten.
Quite unusual to see interesting comments by pro guys about the desire to learn the culture and history of a club/city/country.
It could be a real coup if the guys are the kind of Stortoni involvement at Glasgow some years ago…
I doubt the deals to sign these two can be down to Mike Blair. The negotiations would have started long ago whilst Cockerill was still in position.
Very interesting and on paper strong signings. Of course the proof will be in the pudding if Blair can get that backline working but make no mistake these are serious players.
I think this is an early sign of change in Edinburgh’s philosophy. Mike Blair I suspect will be more committed to attacking rugby and. I particularly like his comment: ‘I’m really excited to see both players perform and develop alongside our young Scottish talent.’ We need overseas pros, but even more we need to grow our own.
Sounds like two interesting signings. Hope we can also improve the service to our wider players so they can use their skills. It will be interesting to see how the half backs develop this season. Jaco building on his international squad experience and Savala and Chamberlin a season older and wiser, scrum half’s fighting for the starting shirt and new centre choices as well, it could be a wee turning point.
Looking forward to the new season.