Charlie Savala explains why signing new deal is a "special moment", why he loves Edinburgh and working under Mike Blair

Signed from Syndey Roosters’ academy at the end of 2020, Savala switched codes from league to union and while his game-time for the capital club has been limited, there is no doubting the potential they see in the Scotland-qualified fly-half.

That’s why Edinburgh have tied him on a new deal.

Since moving to Edinburgh in December 2020, Savala has acclimatised well to life in the capital. He says it now feels like home and is enjoying life with the URC contenders under head coach Mike Blair.

“It’s a special moment for me to be able to re-sign for this club,” Savala added. “It means a lot to me to play for this club. It’s become my home now over here. I feel my development as a player is a direct result of the coaches and the competitive squad we’ve got here.

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Mike’s appointment as coach has been great for me, he’s shown full faith in me and has been great for my development. Being a half-back himself has been really beneficial for me and I’m really enjoying my time under him.

"I love the place, I love Edinburgh. There’s a real positive vibe around the place and I think we’re going somewhere special with the club and I really want to push it forward.”

Savala knows that his game is based around flair. “When I was growing up one of my coaches back home said to me, ‘the less I coach you, the better it is for you’,” he said. “And that’s one thing that’s stuck with me. For my game, I don’t like to have a cramped style.

“As a fly-half I really enjoy playing with freedom and Mike has allowed me to do that. There are obviously times when you need to be reined in a bit and things need to be done structurally but it is great to have that freedom.”

Savala takes inspiration from another creative No