Emilliano Boffelli is happy at Edinburgh and they’re thrilled to have him for two more years – but even that has its limits.
The Argentinian full-back/wing has signed a new two-year contract with the capital club when he might have had his pick of top clubs in Europe.
It’s a huge boost ahead of Edinburgh’s 1872 second leg against Glasgow in front of an expected crowd of more than 25,000 at Murrayfield on Friday.
But head coach Mike Blair admitted he had to reel in the 27-year-old, the top scorer in all of international rugby in 2022, the other week – when the proud Argentinian asked if he could have time off to go to the World Cup Final in Qatar.
‘Be serious, do you think I could?’
146 – @lospumas’ Emiliano Boffelli was the only player to score 100+ points in Tier 1 Test rugby in 2022 (146), while @WalesRugbyUnion’s Gareth Anscombe (94%) and @Wallabies’ Bernard Foley (90%) were the only two players with a place kick success rate of 90%+ this year. Clinical. pic.twitter.com/5VJLP46Vy7
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) December 26, 2022
“I still don’t know to this day if he was being serious or not!” said Blair. “He had the serious face on but there was that glint in the eye as well.
“We initially laughed it off but he then sent me a message later on saying: “be serious with me, do you think I could?”
“I quickly checked what flights were available and asked him what flights would allow him to be back for training. And I didn’t get a reply until the morning when he admitted the flights available were no good.”
The most reliable and prolific goalkicker in world rugby, ‘Boff’ had a pivotal role in the Pumas’ historic victories over New Zealand, Australia, England and Scotland this year.
He scored more than 50 points more than the the second highest points scorer and was a certain target for big clubs in France and England when his current deal expired in the summer.
“He was really keen to stay – so that obviously makes things a lot easier for starters,” said Blair.
“He’s found his way into the group really effectively, he’s a brilliant guy to have around, he’s really popular.
“He’s enjoying learning English, he’s enjoying living in Edinburgh, and I think he’s enjoyed the fact that since he’s been here his pedigree has jumped up a huge amount.
“He understands that an environment is really important for him. I’m sure there were lots of teams going hard after him, but we’re delighted he wants to stay with us.”
Kinghorn, Skinner back in the team
1️⃣9️⃣ Scotland stars start 🤩
Two line ups laden with big names for a decisive 1872 Cup clash.
Read our preview and secure your tickets: https://t.co/OBjmQ74vnK pic.twitter.com/BXLF3rIY7A
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) December 29, 2022
Boffelli is back at full-back in an Edinburgh side on Friday that sees the return of Scotland stars Blair Kinghorn, Sam Skinner, Mark Bennett and Luke Crosbie. They all of missed the 16-10 defeat in the first leg against Glasgow last week.
Veteran Henry Pyrgos will start at scrum-half with Pierre Schoeman on the bench and Boan Venter starting instead.
Skinner’s return will be his first action since getting injured in the first Autumn Test against Australia.
Glasgow have made just two changes to the side that slugged out the 16-10 win at Scotstoun last week.
Ali Price starts at nine for George Horne, while Ollie Smith returns at full-back.
Teams
Edinburgh (vs Glasgow, 1872 Cup, BT Murrayfield, Friday ko 7.35 pm, live on Viaplay)
Emiliano Boffelli; Wes Goosen, Mark Bennett, James Lang, Duhan van der Merwe; Blair Kinghorn, Henry Pyrgos; Boan Venter, Tom Cruse, WP Nel; Sam Skinner, Grant Gilchirst (co-capt); Jamie Ritchie (co-capt), Luke Crosbie, Viliame Mata.
Replacements: Paddy Harrison, Pierre Scoheman, Angus Williams, Marshall Sykes, Connor Boyle, Charlie Shiel, Charlie Savala, Cammy Hutchinson.
Glasgow: Ollie Smith; Sebastien Cancelliere, Sion Tuipulotu, Stafford McDowell, Kyle Steyn (capt); Tom Jordan, Ali Price; Jamie Bhatti, Fraser Brown, Lucio Sordoni; Sintu Manjezi, Richie Gray; Matt Fagerson, Sione Vailanu, Jack Dempsey.
Replacements: George Turner, Nathan McBeth, Simon Berghan, JP du Preez, Lewis Bean, Cameron Neild, George Horne, Domingo Miotti.