Edinburgh Rugby can today confirm the signing of centre Sasa Tofilau [below: pic courtesy Craig Watson] on a one-year deal ahead of the 2016/17 season.
The powerful midfield player, who is adept at both inside and outside centre, received plaudits on the domestic circuit with some stellar performances for BT National League Division 2 side, Kirkcaldy, who he joined in October 2015.
Samoan born Tofilau, 21, said: “I’m really excited to be involved at the club and I’m grateful to the coaches for putting faith in me. Hopefully I can return the favour in the way I train and play.
Following his performances for the Fife club last season, he was soon invited to train with the capital outfit. He further bolstered his growing reputation with a fine performance in a training game against Scotland under-20 after being named to start at centre.
“My involvement with Edinburgh so far has brought so much to my game and made me realise how much of an opportunity I have ahead of me.
In March of this year, Tofilau was named by Roddy Grant in Edinburgh Rugby’s squad for Melrose Sevens, and cast himself into the public eye with four tries during the day. He crossed the whitewash to score the match-winning try in Edinburgh’s 29-19 victory over Jed-Forest, which secured the Ladies’ Cup for the men in black and red.
He continued: “I loved the experience of being able to play at Melrose Sevens.
Head Coach Alan Solomons said: “We are delighted to welcome Sasa to the club.
“I have no doubt he will make his mark at Edinburgh and look forward to working with him".
The signing of Tofilau brings the total to 29 player signings for next season, additional to those already committed to Edinburgh until the end of May 2017 and beyond. The list kicked off in early December 2015 with Scottish age grade back row Jamie Ritchie extending his contract for another three years. The coaching staff, led by Alan Solomons, recently announced their continued commitment into the new season.