URC
‘World class’ Boffelli extends capital stay
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 100+ points in Tier 1 Test rugby [146], 51 more than second place Richie Mo’unga [95].
Boffelli shot to notoriety 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.”
URC
Gavin Coombes Set For 100th Munster Appearance
Tomorrow’s Round 2 clash away against Zebre Parma will see Gavin Coombes make his 100th Munster appearance.
Gavin started his rugby career at Skibbereen RFC before lining out with Bandon Grammar School in his teenage years.
Coombes then joined the Munster Rugby Academy ahead of the 2016/17 season where he lined out for Young Munster in Division 1A of the men’s All Ireland League and played a large role in Munster winning the B&I Cup in 2017.
The Skibbereen man made his Munster debut as an Academy player in the opening game of the 2018/19 season against the Cheetahs and went on to make eight Guinness PRO14 appearances over the campaign. The following year he also made a brief appearance in the PRO14 semi-final.
He had an outstanding 2020/21 season, after scoring 15 tries in 22 appearances, a new record for the most tries in one season for the province, and included a try on his Champions Cup debut against Harlequins. He was then named Munster Rugby’s youngest ever Player of the Year at the end of that season.
He missed the start of the 22/23 season due to injury, but returned to full training in October, and ended up scoring 14 tries in 22 Munster appearances in the club’s title winning year.
Last season he played in all 25 games, with 20 of those in the starting XV, playing at number 8 and in the second row. He continued is try-scoring prowess and finished the season with 7 tries to his name.
He has represented Ireland internationally on numerous occasions, including with the U20s, Ireland A, and the Ireland senior squad.
He was called up to the Ireland senior squad during the 2021 Six Nations, made his first two appearances against Japan and the USA in the 2021 Vodafone Summer Series, played against the Maori All Blacks in their 2022 New Zealand tour, and was then selected as part of the wider 2023 Six Nations and World Cup Squads.
Gavin Coombes | Record 15 Munster Tries In 2020/21
Images & Content from Munster Rugby
URC
Cardiff make two changes for Welsh derby clash
URC
Ulster ready for Emirates Lions in Johannesburg
Ulster ready for Emirates Lions in Johannesburg
Head Coach, Richie Murphy, has named his Ulster side to take on Emirates Lions tomorrow at Emirates Airline Park in Round 2 of the BKT United Rugby Championship. (KO: 11.55AM)
Alan O’Connor captains the team in the second row, where he is joined by Kieran Treadwell.
Andy Warwick starts at loosehead prop, joined by John Andrew at hooker and tighthead prop, Tom O’Toole, to form the front row.
Packing down behind the front five, Matty Rea gets the nod at blindside flanker, with Sean Reffell starting on the openside. Nick Timoney retains his position at number eight.
The half back partnership sees John Cooney make a return at scrum-half after a hamstring injury ruled him out of the opening round last weekend.
After scoring a try on his debut last week against Glasgow Warriors, Aidan Morgan, again starts at ten.
Richie makes two changes to the backline of Round 1, with Stuart McCloskey back in the squad and starting at inside centre, alongside outside centre, Stewart Moore.
After getting a taste of action from the bench last week, this weekend will see South African winger, Werner Kok, make his first start in an Ulster jersey.
Jacob Stockdale provides the threat going forward from the left wing.
Ethan McIlroy retains his spot at full-back, completing the starting XV.
Murphy opts for a 6:2 split on the bench, with James McCormick, Eric O’Sullivan, Corrie Barrett, Iain Henderson, James McNabney and David McCann providing the forward options.
Scrum-half, Nathan Doak, and Mike Lowry form the backline options.
Emirates Lions v Ulster Rugby, Saturday 28 September, Round 2 BKT United Rugby Championship, 11.55am, Emirates Airline Park. (Live on Premier Sports)
(1-8) Andrew Warwick, John Andrew, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Alan O’Connor (C), Matty Rea, Sean Reffell, Nick Timoney;
(15-9) Ethan McIlroy, Werner Kok, Stewart Moore, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Aidan Morgan, John Cooney.
Replacements:
James McCormick, Eric O’Sullivan, Corrie Barrett, Iain Henderson, James McNabney, Nathan Doak, Mike Lowry, David McCann.
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