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Major League Rugby sign Tonga's all-time leading try scorer

By Peteso Cannon
Fetu’u Vainikolo on a break against the All Blacks

American Major League side Utah Warriors have announced the signing of former Otago Highlander, Exeter Chief and Tonga’s all-time leading try-scorer, Fetu’u Vainikolo.

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Vainikolo said he was “looking forward to this opportunity and a new beginning in Utah.”

“Everyone knows the massive potential that rugby has in America, and I can’t wait to be a part of it with the Utah Warriors.”

“I’ve played all over the world in the toughest competitions, but have never been a part of growing a club from the very beginning.

“It’s going to be a challenge but these are very exciting times in Utah.”

“We’ll have to wait and see what the future holds, but I’m confident in the team the Warriors are putting together both on and off the field.”

 

Warriors head coach Alf Daniels said “signing Fetu’u is huge for us, he’s a very exciting player who can be a real spark in our backline.”

“You can see from his highlights that he loves to score tries and can do so from almost anywhere.”

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“Someone with his experience and skill set just needs the ball to thrive, but once he arrives we’ll see where he fits with the team and will put him in the best position to succeed.”

“Not many other teams in MLR can say they have someone who has played ITM Cup, Super Rugby, Pro12, Aviva Premiership, Top 14 and two World Cups.

“We’re excited to see his experience and talent shine in a Warriors jersey.”

Born in a small Tongan village of Ha’alalo, Vainikolo was the second youngest of six children and moved to New Zealand at the age of 12.

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The winger made his ITM Cup debut for Northland in 2007, where he caught the eye of Super Rugby for his try-scoring exploits.

In 2008 he joined the Highlanders, becoming one of their key performers in his three years stint with the franchise.

Vainikolo moved north in 2011 to play for Connacht in the Pro12, where he would spend two years as a regular starter.

He later has stints with Exeter Chiefs, where helped them to win the LV Cup in 2014 and most recently with Top14 side Oyonnax and Valence Romans.

The 32-year-old received his first international cap in 2011 against Fiji and would go on to play a total of 28-tests for the ‘Ikale Tahi.

Vainikolo was selected for the 2011 World Cup and was a part of the squad that beat France in the pool stages.

He was selected again in 2015 and is currently Tonga’s all-time leading try scorer in test history with 17 tries.

 

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Trevor 48 minutes ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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