Leeds Rhinos and former New Zealand international Ali Lauitiiti considering Rugby Union
New Zealand born Rugby League player, Ali Lauitiiti, has announced that he is considering a code switch by the end of the year. The English Rugby League club Leeds Rhinos second row forward Lauitiiti has hinted his move to a 15-man union side on Tuesday,
August 2.
Commenting on his experience of playing in a 15-man Rugby Union team Lauitiiti said, “I only played it at school but I don't mind giving it a go, Where I'm from, rugby union is the main game.”
Lauitiiti current contract will expire at the end of the ongoing 2011 Engage Super League and Carnegie Challenge Cup tournaments. Reports are that he is in discussion with a French Top 14 outfit to start his professional Rugby Union career later this year.
Commenting on his plans, Lauitiiti said, “I'm not too sure what's going to happen. It's up in the air. I could still be at Leeds or somewhere else.”
The Auckland born Alaimatagi Lauitiiti, commonly known as Ali Lauitiiti, started his professional Rugby League career with the New Zealand Warriors in 1998. He spent six seasons at Warriors where he made 115 appearances for them and scored 132 points, all
coming from tries.
At the end of the 2004 season, Lauitiiti left the National Rugby League championship and joined Super League side, Leeds Rhinos. In the last seven years, he has made 192 appearances for the Rhinos and has scored 248 points.
The 32-year-old Lauitiiti has the honour of playing for both New Zealand and Samoan national Rugby League sides. He made his international debut for New Zealand in 2000. He played 19 international games for the New Zealand and scored 28 points. He made his
Samoan international debut in 2007, and so far has made just three international appearances for them.
Lauitiiti has confirmed that details regarding his new club will be available in the next couple of week’s time.
Earlier this year, New Zealand born Rugby League’s utility forward player, Willie Mason, has switched codes. He signed a new deal with the French top 14 outfit, Toulon.
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