Ken Pisi signs for Northampton Saints – Rugby News Update
Ken Pisi, the 23-year-old North Harbour and Samoa fullback, who is equally adept on the wing, has made the switch to the Aviva Premiership team, the Northampton Saints, ahead of the new season.
He was excited with the move, and will be joining up with his brother George, who currently plays for the Saints in the centre.
"I want to experience something different," he said. "I was impressed by [director of rugby] Jim Mallinder and the rest of the Saints coaches, and I've seen that it is a good environment, has a strong sense of community and is a club which takes care of
players."
Pisi rose through the ranks quickly, and took the IRB Sevens Series by storm. He played for North Harbour for five years, and made his debut against Tonga at Nagoya, on June 5, 2012. Thus far he has played only two test matches for his country, with the
latest coming against Fiji at Tokyo, on June 10, 2012.
Jim Mallinder, the Saints’ coach, is ecstatic to have signed another Pisi, and particularly likes the versatility of the player. The Saints are looking to rebuild the squad ahead of the new season, and Mallinder feels that Ken is the type of player that
will propel his team up the Premiership table.
He said, "He is also versatile and can slot into a number of positions, which is important for us as we try to maintain a squad which can compete both in the Premiership and Europe while staying within the salary cap."
Pisi also feels that he is making the right move by coming to the Saints, who play an attacking style of rugby, use the ball well and are good to watch. He said, "I like to think that I'm an attacking player, so I think I'll fit into the style...”
It was easier for Ken to sign for the Saints, as his brother is already doing well for the team, and it matters that he will have a support system at the club which will make his transition smoother. He hopes to enjoy a fruitful season with the club.
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