London Irish extend Sailosi Tagicakibau and Chris Hala’ufia contracts
London Irish have confirmed that Samoan Sailosi Tagicakibau and Tongan back-row forward Chris Hala'ufia have signed new deals with the Exiles.
Tagicakibau has become a crucial player for London Irish and will remain at the club until 2015. The 27-year-old has made 102 appearances for the Aviva Premiership side and has scored 41 tries over six seasons.
Speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire, London Irish coach Toby Booth expressed his delight at extending the two players' contracts. "We are delighted that Sailosi and Chris have signed long-term contracts with us," he said.
The Exiles head coach was particularly pleased to have committed Tagicakibau to the club and said, “We fought off many other clubs from far and wide so it's nice that Tagicakibau has committed his long term future to us, someone of such a high-calibre and a world class player like he is.”
Booth admitted that the player could have opted to leave the club and earn more money in France, but he praised the club in keeping the talented Islander.
“Ultimately he could have gone to different places for a lot more money and I think that probably sends the biggest message of all. I think the signing speaks volumes for the club, the culture and the people here that a player of his talent and in the prime of his career has decided to commit a long-term future to us—for that I am delighted."
London Irish were also ecstatic that Hala’ufia has committed his future to the club. The 30-year-old will remain at the club until 2014.
Booth singled out the Tongan for his commitment and physicality, and the player, who has made 63 appearances for the club since arriving three years ago, will give the Exiles a huge boost. "He has always been a player that's led by example. Rugby is an abrasive game and you want people that epitomise that and no one does that more than Chris Hala'ufia," said Booth.
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