Edinburgh Rugby centre signs new two-year contract after serious knee injury

The lively centre has now committed his future to the capital side by signing a new two-year contract and hopes to kick on next season.

"It's been a really challenging year,” said Tuipulotu. “Ten months is a long time to be on the sidelines and there were difficult moments along the way, but the support I've had from everyone here – the coaches, the medical team, the players and supporters – has been incredible. I can't thank the club enough for the way they've stuck by me and helped me get back to where I need to be.

"I feel great. I'm getting back to full fitness and really enjoying my rugby again. But honestly, more than anything, I'm just excited about what's ahead. I still have so much I want to achieve here and I want to be a key part of this team pushing forward and competing at the very top. This is absolutely where I want to be."

Departures too from Edinburgh

Tuipulotu, 24, looked back to his dynamic best against the Italian side as Edinburgh edged them out 31-30 thanks to a last-gasp converted try from Boan Venter. Venter will be leaving the club at the end of the season along with centre James Lang and other departures are likely to be announced in the coming weeks.

Lang’s exit makes the retention of Tuipulotu even more important and Edinburgh coach Sean Everitt believes there is plenty room for growth within the Aussie-born centre who followed his big brother Sione to Scotland two years ago from Melbourne.

“Mosese has shown tremendous character this past year,” said Everitt. “Coming back from a serious knee injury is never easy, but the dedication and hard work he has put into his rehab and getting himself back onto that pitch has been there for everyone to see.

“We're absolutely delighted to have him tied down for another two years. He's 24 years of age, still developing as a player, and we firmly believe he can go on and achieve a great deal with this club.

“He's another young Scottish qualified player committed to Edinburgh Rugby, and that's hugely important to us. His best years are very much ahead of him and we can't wait to see him kick on.”

Tuipulotu was injured in the away win over Connacht in May last year. He made his comeback against the Scarlets at home in February and now has six games under his belt. It’s been a poor campaign for Edinburgh but they are looking to end it on a winning note and strengthen for next season.

Tuipulotu should have a big part to play in that. He has already had Scotland recognition in the form of a squad call-up for the 2024 Autumn Nations Series alongside his brother, Sione, the national captain. While Mosese has yet to win a full cap, he did play for Scotland A against Chile.

Meanwhile, the third Tuipulotu brother, hooker Tavi, is with Sione at Glasgow Warriors and is also working his way back to fitness from a serious knee injury.