Fa’afili Links Up With Connacht
Connacht have completed the signing of former rugby league player Henry Fa’afili, who will arrive in Galway for pre-season training next week.
Centre Henry Fa’afili scored more than 400 points in seven years of rugby league, playing with the New Zealand Warriors and Warrington Wolves.
In 2007, while playing for the Wolves, the Samoan was the Super League’s top try scorer with 22 tries in 29 games. His blistering pace and ferocious ball-carrying ability, coupled with some slick offloading, have made Fa’afili a fans’ favourite.
Supporters at the Sportsground are sure to be treated to some outstanding displays from the powerful midfielder next season.
Fa’afili changed codes to play rugby union for Biarritz Olympique in 2007, lining out alongside French stars Damien Traille, Dimitri Yachvili and Italian centre Andrea Masi. Following a successful season in the south of France, he joined Aviva Premiership side Leeds Carnegie
The 5ft 11in, 104kg back has played for Samoa and New Zealand in rugby league, scoring a hat-trick against Great Britain in 2002 and has represented Samoa in rugby union in the Pacific Nations Cup.
Fa’afili, who recently turned 31, will join Eric Elwood’s squad when they return to pre-season training next week.
Speaking about the move, he said: “I’m really looking forward to joining Connacht in what is a very exciting time for both myself and the province.
“I’ve always wanted to experience the RaboDirect PRO12 competition and with Connacht in the Heineken Cup next year, it’s a great opportunity for me.
“I spoke to Mike Forshaw (Connacht’s defence coach) who I know from my rugby league days and he explained what Connacht were about and the great work that is going on there, so I’m very excited about the move. Galway is a great city and myself and my fiancée are really looking forward to living there.”
Head coach Eric Elwood added: “Henry is a quality player with a proven track record with both Biarritz and Leeds and we will use Henry’s experience and power to complement the youth and raw talent of our backs.
“He is a dynamic ball carrier with exceptional skill, strength and pace and we look forward to working with him, along with our other new signings, in the coming weeks.”