Sale Sharks have finally secured the signature of Tongan international number eight Viliami Fihaki on a three-year deal after several months of trying.
In signing for Sale the 26-year-old spurned the chance to earn more international recognition by joining Tonga on their current European tour.
Sale’s director of rugby Steve Diamond said he was happy that the four-month long chase of the powerful ball carrier had come to an end.
“Viliami is a really good ball carrier and we’re delighted that he has agreed to join us,” he said.
“We had been looking for another back row player all summer and we identified Viliami playing over in New Zealand for North Harbour in the ITM Cup and he comes highly-recommended from our contacts over there.
“We believe that Viliami will be a really good addition to our ranks and that he will add something extra to the squad.”
Diamond went on to hint at his plans for coming signings for next season once the restriction that stops clubs approaching players before January 1 has passed.
The club are also keen to re-sign a number of current squad members whose contracts expire in the next year.
“We’ll be in the market place for three or four other new signings. There are certain positions we will be particularly looking at in terms of a tight head prop, a scrum-half and a back three player,” Diamond said.
“The regulations state you can’t approach people before January 1 and we’ll abide by that, but we are drawing up our plans for going forward.”
Image courtesy of Sale Sharks via YouTube, with thanks.
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