belgium tuatagaloa

London Irish sign Samoa winger on short-term deal

Tuatagoloa, 30, has played provincial rugby in New Zealand for Wellington and Canterbury and has represented Samoa at international level.

A promising boxer during his Teens, Tuatagoloa had to give up the sport as a result of persistent migraines. During the summer he revealed that he turned down a contract offer in France in order to represent Samoa at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

He has also played sevens rugby for both Samoa and New Zealand.

Tuatagaloa to start for the Manu Samoa

The 29 year old made his debut in 15’s for the side in this year’s Pacific Nations Cup.

In the recent documentary by TVNZ on the level playing field, Tuatagaloa was reported saying how honoured he was to be part of his home team and represent the country where he was born and raised.

He is joined by former All Blacks Sevens player Tim Nanai-Williams in the line-up that will be up against the Australians as a build up to the rugby world cup.

The side will be captained by Jack Lam.

Manu Samoa Team:

Manu Samoa wing Belgium Tuatagaloa pays a hefty price to represent his country

But it's one this quietly spoken, 30-year-old powerhouse wing gladly pays for the privilege of pulling on the prestigious blue jersey of his country and representing his people on the greatest rugby stage of them all.

Tuatagaloa is in the mix to head with Steve Jackson's Samoa team to the World Cup in Japan next month. Their official squad will be named after Saturday's clash against the Heartland XV at Eden Park, but he's odds-on to board that plane.