Rugby
Falcons New Signings
13 June 2008
Newcastle Falcons is delighted to announce the signing of Wellington and Hurricanes centre Tane Tu'ipulotu.
The 27-year-old Junior All Black joins the club on a three-year deal, and does not count as a foreign player due to his Tongan passport.
Acting director of rugby, Steve Bates, said: “Tane represents an out-and-out quality signing. As well as the physical aspects of midfield play he also possesses excellent running and distribution skills, and he will be a very accomplished addition to our back line. He has been playing to a very high standard over in New Zealand, is in absolutely fantastic physical condition and we firmly believe he will make a significant impact on the Guinness Premiership in complementing the back line talent already at our disposal.”
Standing at 6ft 2 and weighing 15 stone 10, the supremely conditioned Tu'ipulotu has been instrumental in the Hurricanes' charge to the Super 14 semi-finals, with the ability to play both inside and outside centre as well as on the wing. Nicknamed 'The King', his running and offloading game earned him selection for the 2006 Junior All Blacks.
Having shared three-quarter duties at Wellington and the Hurricanes with All Black stars Tana Umaga, Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith down the years, Tu'ipulotu's strong running and expert distribution skills will be a welcome addition to the Falcons squad when he arrives after the 2008 Air New Zealand Cup.
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