Tuipulotu signs deal with Edinburgh after 'difficult' 10 months

Edinburgh centre Mosese Tuipulotu has put pent to paper on a new two-year contract that will keep him at Hive Stadium until at least the summer of 2028.

The 24-year-old returned to action on Friday night in the URC following a serious knee injury that kept him sidelined for 10 months. He completed the full 80 minutes as the home side struck late to secure a dramatic 31–30 bonus-point victory over Zebre Parma.

A product of St Kevin’s College in Melbourne, the brother of Scotland captain Sione developed came up the ranks at the Melbourne Rebels academy before representing Eastern Suburbs in New South Wales from 2021.

He was named in the Waratahs squad for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season and made his debut in 2023 against the Hurricanes, featuring four times for the Sydney-based side before following in his brother’s footsteps with a move to Scotland.

Unlike his brother, who joined Glasgow, the 6′, 102kg midfielder joined Scottish rivals Edinburgh ahead of the 2024/25 season and made an immediate impression in his debut campaign, featuring in 22 matches, starting 15, and establishing himself as one of the comp’s more promising young midfielders.

“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,” said Tuipulotu. “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.”

After fast start his form was recognised at international level in October 2024 when he was named in the Scotland squad for the Autumn Nations Series, alongside his brother, who was appointed squad captain.

He later represented Scotland A against Chile in November, but is yet to win a full Test cap.

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.”