USA hooker Taufete’e signs new Warriors deal

Taufete’e commits to Warriors for two more years

USA international Joe Taufete’e has committed his future to Warriors by signing a new two-year deal.

The hooker is the latest first-team star to put pen to paper, with the likes of Ryan Mills, Sam Lewis, and Dean Hammond already signing on ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.

Taufete’e first made the switch to Sixways in December 2016 and made his debut at Brive in the European Challenge Cup the following month.

He has since fought his way into Warriors’ Aviva Premiership squad on a regular basis, having gone on to represent the side 23 times to date and scoring six tries.

The giant hooker has an outstanding Test record, with eight tries in 14 appearances for the USA, having made his debut at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Formerly an American Football player until 2011, Taufete’e played rugby at Belmont Shore RFC in California, USA and Otorohanga RFC in Waikato, New Zealand before earning a professional contract at USA PRO Rugby’s San Diego Breakers.

He also captained the USA Rugby Selects at the Americas Pacific Challenge developmental tournament in Uruguay in 2016.

Taufete’e said: “I feel very blessed to sign a new deal at Warriors after an amazing couple of seasons.

“My journey in rugby has been a special one and I hope I can continue that upward spiral with Warriors in the future.”

Warriors Director of Rugby Alan Solomons added: “Joe is a dynamic, explosive hooker and a tremendous ball-carrier.

“It is fantastic news for the Club that he has signed a new contract and we’re looking forward to working with him over the coming seasons.”

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