New signing Semisi Taulava admits his move to Worcester Warriors this summer is set to secure his dream of playing top-flight rugby in England.
Man mountain Taulava – who stands 6ft 5in and weighs over 20 stone – will move from Rotherham Titans to Sixways at the end of the season.
The 29-year-old can hardly contain his excitement over the move and has spoken of his path from New Zealand to the Warriors.
Just a few years ago, Taulava was forced to take a year out of game when he suffered a serious neck injury.
After recovering he came to the UK and tore it up at Worthing before joining Birmingham & Solihull – making debut against Worcester last season – and then Rotherham this season as he has climbed the league ladder.
“I’m very excited by the move. It is a step up from the RFU Championship and coming to a club like Worcester, with the fantastic facilities and coaching team, is huge opportunity for me,” he said.
“I can’t wait to join up with Phil Davies, as a former international forward I know I can learn a huge amount off him. I am sure the team of Richard Hill, Phil Davies and Phil Larder can move my game forward. I’m proud to become part of the Warrior family.
“This is something I have wanted to do for a long time, a real ambition of mine. But I know the hard work starts now and I have got to give it everything,” he added.
“I have watched a lot of Aviva Premiership rugby. When I was back in New Zealand, and was injured and away from the game for a couple of seasons, it was the dream.
“I have always wanted to play at the highest level that I can. The chance to play in top-flight is very exciting and I can’t wait to hopefully test myself against the very best players in England.
“I have seen some of the games on TV this season and the support at Sixways looks incredible. The brand of rugby is exciting and will suit my style.”
As for his own style of rugby, Taulava is keen to let his actions on the pitch do the talking.
“People would say I was a big ball carrier – but I’m more than just that,” he said. “It’s not all just about being big and brawn and running up the middle with me. I look forward to showing the fans what I can do.
“It’s an exciting future for me. I have enjoyed my time at Rotherham and after the league play-offs I can look to the next challenge.
“I was at Bees last year and through my time with them I read a lot about Worcester and got to know about the club and its standing in the Midlands.
“Richard Hill and Phil Davies are building a club to be successful for years to come and when you see the calibre of players at the club, and those that have joined over the last few weeks, you can’t help but be excited about it. I am coming to a club that is motivated and ambitious about the future.”