Ruddock snaps up young Fijian
Thu, 07 Jun 2007 10:56
Worcester Warriors have signed Fiji forward Netani Talei from Doncaster on a one-year deal at Sixways, with an option for an extension. The giant loose forward, who has won seven caps for his country, has signed a one-year deal at Sixways, with an option for an extension. The 24-year-old is currently in action in the IRB Pacific Nations Cup for Fiji, where he was named man of the match after scoring a try in the recent clash with Japan. "Netani is an exceptional athlete and because of that is able to play a very dynamic game of rugby as a ball carrier, footballer and defender," said new Worcester boss Mike Ruddock. "I did a large amount of homework on the best players in National Division One and his name came up repeatedly from rugby contacts that I have in and around that division. I am confident Net will do very well at Sixways." Talei, who represented Fiji Under-21s in 2004 and made his full debut against the Junior All Blacks in June last year, is delighted to have secured a move to the English top-flight. "I'm very much looking forward to pulling on a Warriors shirt for the first time and playing at such an ambitious club," said Talei, 6ft 3in and tips the scales 16st 7lbs. "The move will give me a fresh challenge and I'm determined to prove my ability in the Guinness Premiership. "I'm also looking forward to working under the guidance of Mike Ruddock. He has a great reputation in the rugby world and I'm sure he can take my game onto a new level."
