Worcester Warriors are delighted to announce the signing of Fiji international Netani Talei.
The giant back row, who has won seven caps for his country, has signed a one-year deal at Sixways, with an option for an extension.
Talei, 24, who is 6ft 3in and weighs 16st 7lbs, is currently in action in the iRB Pacific Nations Cup for Fiji. The powerful loose forward, who can play flanker or number eight, was named man-of-the-match in the recent clash with Japan where he scored a breathtaking try.
“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 Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock. “He was outstanding recently for Fiji against Japan and his current form puts him firmly in contention for a World Cup slot with the Fijian team.
“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, said he was 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. The move will give me a fresh challenge and I’m determined to prove my ability in the Guinness Premiership,” said Talei.
“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.”
“Being a part of the squad at Sixways at such an exciting time should be great. Warriors have made a real statement of intent with the calibre of signings they have made during the close season to add to an already powerful squad. The club is clearly one that is moving in the right direction, and working with the all the Warriors coaches and players is a very exciting prospect, I can’t wait to get started.”
