Bristol's latest intriguing signing: Ratu Naulago, the British Army soldier from Fiji who has lit up league
Pat Lam’s penchant for headline-making recruitment has taken another intriguing step, Bristol Bears signing Ratu ‘Siva’ Naulago, the Fijian who had been playing rugby league with Hull. The flyer scored an impressive 17 tries in 21 appearances, including a double in the 2020 Super League campaign opener versus Leeds Rhinos.
The 28-year-old is a serving soldier in the British Army and has been given a temporary release from active service to pursue his opportunity in professional sport. “With Siva being an EQP rugby union player and a British Army soldier, we looked at him closely,” said Lam.
“He is incredibly fit, with great pace and an eye for the try line. He’s been consistently outstanding in his relatively short time in Super League and that’s testament to the great work from the team at Hull FC. A lot of people are sitting up and taking notice of his spectacular performances.
“When Conor (McPhillips) and I spoke to Siva we were really impressed by his determination and reasons to succeed but also his willingness and humility to want to help those around him succeed as well. We believe he will fit in very well to our Bears team systems and structures on and off the field as well as the demands of the Premiership.
“He will add quality depth to our backline and we thank the British Army for their co-operation and the incredible work that they do.”
A winger with an eye for the try-line, Naulago has represented the British Army on the international stage in both the 15-man code as well as 7s, even playing for Harlequins in the 2015 Singha Series finals.
He said: “I’m delighted to have signed for Bristol for the next few seasons. Pat has put together a great squad in recent years and the team are really starting to make their mark both in the English Premiership and European competitions.
“They play a really attractive brand of rugby which I think will suit me and get the best out of me as a player. I was hugely impressed by the new training facilities and their aspirations and ambitions as a club. They want to be challenging at the top end of the game and there seems to be a real buzz around the city.
“I’m looking forward to working with Pat and Conor and bringing something different to the squad. Moving to Bristol means my wife and I will be close to family and friends also, which is very important to me.
“I would like to thank Hull FC for the opportunity they gave me in professional rugby – I will always be thankful for that. I have loved my time at the club and the fans have made me feel very welcome. I hadn’t considered playing anywhere else in rugby league. I have too much respect for the club and for what they have done for me, so leaving for another Super League team was never an option.
“I’m fully committed to the club for the rest of this season when we do get back playing and I am determined to do my best for the team to finish on a high, it would be fantastic to try and win something with the club. I would also like to thank the Army for their continued support with my rugby career which I’m extremely grateful for.”
Chris Fowke, chief operations officer of Army Rugby Union added: “Army Rugby are delighted to see Siva sign with Bristol Bears. Following an extremely successful time with Hull RL, where his high try-scoring rate saw him become a fan favourite, we are sure that the ethos and set up at the Bears will see him continue to succeed.
“Not only is he an exceptionally talented rugby player, but he also embodies the values and standards of the British Army, we wish him well in his new partnership with the Bears.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Good luck Aussie
10 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
37 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
10 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
37 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
2 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
37 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
49 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
37 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
37 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
37 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
37 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
2 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to comments