Ulster snag flying Fijian
Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:12
Rising Fijian star Timoci Nagusa, has signed a two year deal with Ulster Rugby, in time to start pre-season training with the squad in August.
Hailing from Fiji's largest Island Tailevu, the 21-year-old wing stands at 188cm and 90kg. The young star has made remarkable progress in this his debut year of senior rugby, having already racked up three caps, two tries and 10 points for his country after his first appearance for Fiji in June.
Nagusa previously played his club and provincial rugby with Bau and Tailevu Knights respectively.
Nagusa started playing at school, representing Ratu Kadavulevu Grammar School First XV. His rise to the top has been faster than he expected. Last year he was in the Tailevu development squad but recalled to the senior team towards the end of the season. He joined the Fiji Warriors this year.
The former police constable has followed in the footsteps of his uncle the late Vuniani Varo, who also played on the wing for Fiji in the 1970s.
Nagusa made his Colonial Cup debut in 2008 with Tailevu Knights, where he sprinted his way into the Fijian coach Ilivasi Tabua's good books and earned his place on the Fiji Warriors team. He was named Man of the Match in two of the Knights Colonial Cup matches and has earned the nickname the Knights Speedster.
Nagusa continued to mesmerise with his pace and work-rate, earning a starting place on the right wing for the Flying Fijians against Samoa, in their first IRB Pacific Nations Cup game this year. With his first cap he led the Fijians to victory scoring two tries.
Commenting on Nagusa's performance Fijian coach Ili Tabua said: "He played outstandingly well and shocked the Samoans. He used his speed well and he blended in completely with the other players. Nagusa stood his ground and outran the bulky Samoan forwards with ease. He is a player who has the capacity to go far at the highest level."
Talking about Nagusa's debut performance, Samoan captain Filipo Levi remarked: "Nagusa blew us away and left many of our players gasping for breath."
Ulster head coach, Matt Williams described the Fijian wing's move to Ulster as "the one major asset I have been searching the Rugby Union and League world for".
"He has genuine pace. He is fast. We needed another real speed merchant to match and in this case surpass Simon Danielli. Nagusa is also a high achiever off the field, being a member of the elite Fijian Police Tactical Response Group. He is very mature for a 21-year-old; his attitude is anything but what we would associate with a 'laid back Fijian'.
"His personality and attitude will fit into the Ulster culture we are creating. I have been very selective in waiting for the right person for this position in our playing roster. I am glad we waited for Nagusa to sign with us," continued Williams.
Nagusa will start pre-season training with the Ulster squad in August, in time for pre-season friendlies.
The warm-up games see the Ulster men take on Bath (August 15), the Reds (August 22) and Worcester Warriors (August 27).
