Josh Tatupu signing boosts Exeter Chiefs squad
After the signing of Josh Tatupu, the Samoan international, Exeter Chiefs have been levelled up and are considered to be a more dangerous Top 14 side than before. Josh Tatupu has signed a contract of two years with Exeter Chiefs and will be making to Sandy
Park prior to next season’s training camps. The 24-year-old centre will be accompanied by players like Myles Dorian and Craig Mitchell.
Josh Tatupu started his rugby league career with an Australian side, Melbourne Storm and then join the rugby union later on. He was called on by Western Force, a Super 14 side in 2008. He made his Super Rugby debut at Johannesburg against Lions. He joined
Otago in NPC after leaving Western Force and then later on went on to Castres, a French club.
He seems very happy about the development and is looking forward to play for Bath for a long time. He said, “I'm really excited about this move and cannot wait to get over to Exeter. I've been over and had a good look at the set-up, which is great, and I
had a decent chat with Rob about the direction of the club.”
Talking about Exeter Chiefs as a club, he said, “I'll be honest I didn't know too much about Exeter before the move, but I know they've had a great season this year and that they are looking to build on that for next season.”
On the other hand, Ian Baxter, the Chief’s coach is really glad to have him on his squad. He admitted that he and his management have been looking out for his availability. It is usually difficult to get a player out of a French club to any other club. The
lucrative French deals are too attractive to leave, but Baxter managed to pull this task off.
Baxter said, “He is a good age at 24, so it's the right time for him to move here; he's got a lot of assets that modern backs need. He is very quick and has an interesting background having played both rugby league and union, but now he has settled on the
union path and he has been putting in some very good performance for Castres.”
The good aspect that Baxter pointed out about Tatupu is his versatility, as he can play as a wing or a centre both. Bath is already known for having players who can play at multiple positions. It will add more flavour to Baxter’s squad, if Tatupu’s inclusion
spices up adequately.
Concluding his statement regarding this positive development, he added, “It will be a lot easier for him to develop his game at an English speaking club. If anything has held him back in France, it's probably the language barrier, but we're very pleased
to have him on board and seeing what he can bring to us.”
Tatupu is a player with excellent pace, super vision, reliable defense strategy and strong hand; this is what makes him different from other players playing with him. He is a major mash up of all the qualities that are required to execute a spectacular rugby
move.
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