Former Wallabies James O’Connor and Drew Mitchell are to spearhead French giants Toulon at the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens but a 124kg teammate will be an even bigger handful.
Dreadlocked winger Alesana Tuilagi gave the Wallabies nightmares in Sydney in 2011 when his massive frame helped power Samoa to an upset 32-23 Test win over the Wallabies.
The Samoan bulldozer was only signed by Toulon this month as injury cover and the Global Tens at Suncorp Stadium on February 11-12 will be an unexpected beneficiary.
The appealing make-up of the Toulon squad and an ACT Brumbies squad with five current Wallabies on deck is the first concrete evidence of the calibre of players flying to Brisbane.
As expected, Toulon have named an exotic mix of nationalities and talents to joust with 13 other clubs at Suncorp Stadium.
Tuilagi may be winding down at 35 but Josua Tuisova is just starting to fly as one of Fiji’s electrifying Olympic rugby sevens gold medallists.
Japan’s 2015 World Cup hero Ayumu Goromaru, a lukewarm performer for the Reds last year and Argentinian sevens Olympian Axel Muller are other imports coming with the French side.
Unfortunately, former Reds favourite Liam Gill has not been released by Toulon, who have a backrow crisis at the club and need him in France.
“The chance to return to Australia and play at Suncorp Stadium as part of the first ever Toulon side to set foot in the country really is a dream come true,” Mitchell said.
Tevita Kuridrani, Henry Speight, Kyle Godwin, Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa are part of the Brumbies’ Tens squad alongside 42-year-old wildcard legend Steve Larkham.
The tournament is a significant part of the Reds’ pre-season plans because the club has only a single trial organised against the Melbourne Rebels at Ballymore on February 14.
Leroy Houston knows how important it is to make an impact because the Reds have signed fellow No. 8-flanker options Scott Higginbotham and Caleb Timu since he rejoined the ranks.
“It’s awesome to have such depth in the back-row and it’s going to push each of us to play our best rugby,” Houston said.
“I’m not being selfish by saying I want a starting spot and it will be a huge challenge. Because of the seasons I’ve played in Europe, I’ve not had a full pre-season at home like this for a while. It’s good and tough with the weather upping it tenfold.’’