The stand-off scored his first try for the club away to Vodacom Bulls in Round 2 of this season’s BKT United Rugby Championship, with his first home score coming in December’s Heineken Championship victory against Castres Olympique at DAM Health Stadium. Savala has notched up 23 points on the season so far, starting in impressive wins against Cardiff Rugby [A], Zebre Parma [A], Castres Olympique [A] and Saracens [H]. Fresh from penning a new deal, the stand-off now gears up to face Scarlets in Llanelli this Saturday (18 February, kick-off 5. 15pm) as Edinburgh Rugby return to BKT United Rugby Championship action.
It’s amazing that I can continue to be part of this team for another three years. ” Born in Sydney, Savala qualifies for Scotland through his Ayr-born father, while his grandmother still lived in Ayr until moving to Australia last year. Savala still has a number of strong family connections in the west and even turned out for the Millbrae club aged nine when visiting family on holiday and electing to wear Ayr socks against Emirates Lions earlier this season for the capital side’s annual ‘Club Appreciation Night’ fixture.
“I’ve loved this season so far and it’s been awesome to win the trust of the coaches too. I’ve been handed starts in some pretty big games for the club and that’s only made me feel more confident as a stand-off. “I feel like I’m getting better and better every match I play and, with the great players we’ve got at this club around me, I know I can keep pushing on to that next level. “The Edinburgh fans have been massive for me too. The players and supporters have got such a great connection at The DAM right now – I can’t wait to keep running out for a few more years yet! ” Head Coach Mike Blair added: “Charlie is a brilliant guy to have around the club.
The 26-year-old, originally from Christchurch, has been a regular in the Chiefs’ midfield since 2017, making 58 appearances to date. An impressive 2019 campaign saw him earn selection for the Māori All Blacks against Fiji and he also lined out for the side against an Ireland XV last summer. In November 2022 he was selected for the All Blacks XV that played Ireland ‘A’ and the Barbarians. Front row duo Stephen Archer and Dave Kilcoyne have both put pen to paper on one-year extensions.
He’s hugely self-driven and strives to get better every day while his confidence is infectious – he really brings out the best in the players around him. “We want to see Charlie continue to grow and mature as a player and he’ll definitely do that with more minutes under his belt. “We’ve been impressed with his contributions this season so far and we’ve seen a different side to his game at times – with a bigger emphasis on game-management.
A come-from-behind win over Connacht last week saw Johann van Graan's side take the first interpro bragging rights of the new season, adding to some already impressive showings in the opening weeks of the season. And with Leinster and Ulster both on winning runs, keeping pace at the top of their pool will be key to Munster's hopes of going far in the competition and also their bid for European rugby next season. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the big game: Where and when is the match? The match will be played at the Swansea. com Stadium on Saturday, October 23. What time does it get underway? A general view of Liberty Stadium (Image: ©INPHO/Ian Cook) Kick-off is set for 7.