Setaimata Sa

Roosters fans will know him well, having seen him at their club first hand – and for former Rooster Setaimata Sa, who is now playing at Catalans in the ESL, a new challenge awaits him, after he agreed to a 3-year deal with Rugby Union side, London Irish.

Sa, 24, who is a New Zealand league international, also has 5 caps for Samoa – and will link up with the Aviva Premiership side, after he was lined up as the man to replace in the Exiles team, following the departure of Seilala Mapusua.

Having played Union and representing the New Zealand side as a young schoolboy, Sa is excited to have the opportunity to return to Union.

“I am really excited about joining London Irish.

“Returning to rugby union is something that I have been considering for a while. It has always been in my blood and testing my skills in the Aviva Premiership will be the ultimate challenge.

“The style of rugby that the Exiles play, and the family values of the club suit me and my family well.

“I am looking forward to getting down to it in the summer and I hope to be able to make an immediate positive impact.”

Brian Smith, the rugby director at the club was equally excited about the move, and believes that Sa will make a significant impact for the side.

“There is no doubt about it – Setaimata is an exciting and wonderfully skilful player and we are delighted that he will be joining the squad next season.

“I have followed his NRL and Super League career very closely, and he was coached at the Roosters by my good friend and current New South Wales State of Origin coach, Ricky Stuart.

“We have needed to replace Seilala Mapusua in midfield for some time now, and Sa fits the bill perfectly.

“He is an outstanding defender and a powerful runner with great physical and technical abilities.

“Still just 24 years old, he already brings with him a wealth of international and top-flight rugby experience, as well as winning a Rugby League World Cup for New Zealand. We think he is going to take the Aviva Premiership by storm.”

By ricky

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