Newcastle Falcons secure Samoan international utility forward Taiasina Tu'ifua - Rugby Union
Kingston Park based English Rugby Union club, Newcastle Falcons, has secured the services of the Samoan international utility forward, Taiasina Tu'ifua. Officials at the club have confirmed
the signing of the international flanker and lock Tu'ifua, in a statement released on their website on Thursday, August 4.
Tu'ifua was part of the Samoan outfit which handed over a surprising defeat to the Wallabies at Sydney Stadium in July this year.
The 26-year-old Tu'ifua made his international debut for Samoa against Japan during the International Rugby Board’s (IRB) 2011 Pacific Nations Cup in June this year. Following his exceptional
international performance, Tu'ifua caught the attention of rugby selectors around the world.
However, English Premiership outfit Falcons was able to sign him in a timely manner. Newcastle Falcons head coach, Alan Tait, has expressed his delight on gaining the services of the international
flanker and termed him a magnificent capture.
Tait added, “I'm absolutely ecstatic that he has decided to sign for us. We have been holding out to find this sort of player and we have finally got our man.”
Tait has praised the explosive ball carrying and handling skills of the tall and muscular Samoan rugby player.
Samoan born flanker Tu'ifua has expressed his delight on signing the professional contract with the Premiership side. He said, “I am delighted to sign for the Newcastle Falcons. The Falcons
are an ambitious club and I am looking forward to pulling on the Falcons jersey.”
Tu'ifua has expressed his confidence that he can compete and play with the top European clubs, and termed it as a challenging opportunity.
Currently, Tu'ifua is under the contract of Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union side, and is representing them in the 2011 ITM Cup tournament.
Tu'ifua will team up with the fellow Samoan international, Jamie Helleur, at Falcons. Former Auckland’s player Helleur has already signed his deal with the Falcons.
Besides the Samoan pair, the club has made approximately 11 more signings to strengthen their squad for their 2011/12 Aviva Premiership campaign. Falcons luckily escaped a relegation threat
at the end of the 2010/11 Premiership season.
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