GLASGOW Warriors have made Italian international Samuela Vunisa their sixth signing for the new season, recruiting the 28-year-old back-row forward from Saracens on a two-year contract. Fijian-born Vunisa, who will join subject to a visa and a medical, has played 11 times for Italy and was a member of their 2015 Rugby World Cup squad.
After beginning his professional career with Taranaki in New Zealand, Vunisa moved to Calvisano in Italy, then on to Zebre. After qualifying for the Italians on residence, he left Zebre for Saracens in 2015.
“It’s really exciting,” he said. “I enjoyed my time in the PRO12 before and I can’t wait to get started with the Warriors. Glasgow has made a name for themselves. Winning the PRO12 and reaching the quarter-finals in Europe shows that on and off the field it’s a great club and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.
“Dave Rennie is a world-class coach, respected in New Zealand and across the world. I’m looking forward to working with him as I know he’ll get the best out of me.”
Centre Huw Jones, prop Oli Kebble, stand-off Adam Hastings, winger Lelia Masaga and flanker Calum Gibbins are the other new signings made by Rennie, who will come to Scotland once his Super Rugby commitments with the Chiefs are over. Vunisa and Gibbins will compete for back-row jerseys with the likes of Rob Harley and Ryan Wilson. “Samuela is a strong runner and ball carrier and will add to our strength in depth in the back row,” Warriors assistant coach Jonathan Humphreys said.
Meanwhile, former All Blacks hooker Corey Flynn has left the Warriors. The 36-year-old signed a two-year deal when he joined from Toulouse last summer but has been allowed to go halfway through his contract.
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