‘Still so much I want to achieve here’ – Tuipulotu signs new two-year deal 

Tuipulotu, 24, put pen to paper on his new contract after making his return from a serious knee injury last month – a setback that kept him sidelined for 10 months, but has done nothing to dim the centre’s ambition or hunger for success in the capital.

The announcement comes off the back of Friday night’s 31-30 bonus point win over Zebre Parma at Hive Stadium, in which Tuipulotu started at outside centre and played the full 80 as Edinburgh Rugby struck late to secure a dramatic victory.

In a first season that quickly established him as one of the most exciting young centres in the URC, Tuipulotu featured in 22 matches, starting 15, and made a real impact in the European arena.

He opened his try-scoring account for the club in the EPCR Challenge Cup home victory over Bayonne, added another in a home league encounter against Zebre Parma, and saved perhaps his most important contribution for the EPCR Challenge Cup Semi-Final against Bath at Hive Stadium, where he crossed the whitewash in a match that will live long in the memory of Edinburgh supporters.

His performances earned wider recognition in October 2024, when Tuipulotu was named in the Scotland squad for the Autumn Nations Series alongside his brother – who was also named as squad captain – and he went on to represent Scotland A against Chile in November 2024.

On signing his new deal, Tuipulotu said: “Representing this club means everything to me. Every time I pull on the Edinburgh jersey there’s a genuine sense of pride – this is a special place and I never take that for granted.

“It’s been a really challenging year. 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.”

Head Coach Sean Everitt said: “Mosese has shown tremendous character this past year. 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.”

A product of St Kevin’s College, Melbourne, Tuipulotu played much of his junior rugby in Victoria, coming through the ranks of the Melbourne Rebels academy before moving to New South Wales in 2021 to represent Eastern Suburbs.

He was named in the Waratahs squad for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season and made his debut for the Sydney-based side in 2023 against the Hurricanes. He went on to make four appearances for the Waratahs, including a standout showing in an impressive away win against the Crusaders, before making the move to Edinburgh.