Edinburgh Rugby swoop for wingers to bolster back-three

Edinburgh Rugby today confirmed the exciting double signing of Edinburgh born winger Malelili Satala and Scottish qualified winger Finlay Doyle, further strengthening their back-three options ahead of the new season.

Highly rated speedster Satala, 20, joins the club on a two-year deal from Gallagher Premiership side Leicester Tigers. Meanwhile, Scotland U20 international Doyle, 20, joins Edinburgh Rugby’s pro-academy from Loughborough University on a one-year deal.

Malelili makes the move to the Scottish capital this summer after progressing through the academy ranks at Leicester Tigers.

The dynamic winger has already gained valuable first-team experience, featuring in four Premiership Cup fixtures for The Tigers, and marking his professional debut with a try away to Northampton Saints in November 2024.

The move to Edinburgh marks a homecoming for Malelili who is the son of former Fijian international and Edinburgh Rugby player, Apolosi ‘Apo’ Satala.

Apo represented the capital club in the early 2000s, making his Edinburgh debut against Glasgow Warriors in 2003 to become player #1048.

Satala qualifies for Scotland having been born Edinburgh while his father played for the club and served with the 1st Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland.

On joining Edinburgh Rugby, Satala said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Edinburgh Rugby this summer. It’s an exciting new chapter, and I’m really looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead, both on and off the field.

“Making the move from Leicester to a city like Edinburgh is a big change, but one I’m embracing. I’m grateful for the chance to be part of such a proud club and can’t wait to meet new people, immerse myself in the culture, and get to work.

“I’ve truly valued my time at Leicester Tigers. Coming through the academy and progressing into the first team training squad has been an incredible journey that’s helped shape me both on and off the field.

“Being in an environment with such a high standard and surrounded by experienced players in the back three has pushed me to grow and constantly refine my game. I’m grateful for everything the club has given me and the lessons I’ll carry forward into this next chapter.”

He continued: “I’d describe myself as an agile and explosive player with a strong presence in contact. I don’t shy away from physicality, that side of the game is something I really enjoy and take pride in.

“Coming through the system at Leicester Tigers, physicality and work rate are part of the club’s DNA, and that’s shaped me as a player. I’m excited to bring that edge, intensity, and energy to Edinburgh Rugby and contribute wherever I can to the team’s success.”

Doyle makes the move to Edinburgh Rugby’s pro-academy following a remarkable period of development at Loughborough University.

The winger has rapidly ascended through Loughborough’s ranks, progressing from their 3rd XV to playing National League 2 rugby within his first year. His second year saw him become an integral part of their BUCS Super Rugby campaign, where his skills were identified through the Scottish Qualified (SQ) network.

Doyle – who qualifies for Scotland through his mother’s side – has since represented Scotland U20 on six occasions, featuring in both the 2024 U20 Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Trophy.

He has been instrumental in Loughborough’s BUCS Super Rugby League and Cup triumphs over the past two seasons and was recently recognised for his outstanding performances with a place in the BUCS Super Rugby team of the season for 2024/25.

Doyle said: “I’m really looking forward to starting a new challenge in Edinburgh and improving both as a player and a person. It will be great to be in the city and being closer to my friends and family up in Scotland. I’m determined to make a good start at a great club.

“My time at Loughborough has been class. Being part of such a high-performance environment has pushed me both physically and mentally – the level of coaching and facilities has helped me improve significantly as a player.”

He continued: “As a player, I believe I’m very passionate and a good finisher that brings physicality and effort with the ability to beat defenders. I’m willing to do everything I can to be the best teammate possible and help the team push on.”

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Sean Everitt expressed his delight at securing the signatures of the two promising young talents.

He said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome both Malelili and Finlay to Edinburgh Rugby. They are two dynamic and exciting young Scottish qualified players who will add real quality and depth to our back-three.

“Malelili has already shown glimpses of his potential at Leicester and possesses genuine pace and attacking instincts. Finlay’s journey through the university system to international age-grade rugby is testament to his dedication and talent. He has impressed us with his athleticism and his desire to learn and improve.

“It’s fantastic to continue building and bolstering our squad with young, exciting players who are committed to Edinburgh Rugby. We believe both Malelili and Finlay have the potential to become important players for us in the years to come, and we look forward to seeing them develop and contribute to our ambitions.”