Saracens sign 104kg cross-code 'Tongan Torpedo' from Champ Rugby

Saracens have signed former rugby league player Sione Va’enuku after the centre impressed during his two-season stay at Champ Rugby partners Ampthill.

Described by his management company as the ‘Tongan Torpedo’, Va’enuku played for the Sydney Roosters in Australia before switching codes in 2024.

The 24-year-old, who predominantly plays 13, scored 17 tries in 39 appearances for ‘The Mob’ across the Elior Champ and PREM Rugby Cup, including 10 tries in 20 league games last season.

Va’enuku once trialled with Northampton Saints but will get his first opportunity in the PREM with Saracens, with whom Ampthill have a close relationship.

England’s latest debutant Noah Caluori, the PREM’s top try scorer in 2025/26, part learnt his trade at Ampthill before establishing himself as a first-team regular at Saracens.

Ampthill head coach Dave Ward was full of praise for the hard-running Tongan centre. “Sione had a fantastic season last year and was rightly voted our player of the season,” he said.

“We are delighted for him to be joining Saracens after impressing their coaching team with his play at Dillingham Park. This will only strengthen our link with Saracens as we see the pathway from Champ to Prem develop”

Va’enuku becomes Saracens’ sixth close-season signing and will help offset the loss of fellow midfielder Alex Lozowski to Sale Sharks.

Saracens have added high-profile recruits George Martin (Leicester), Tomos Williams (Gloucester) and Alfie Barbeary (Bath), as well as Tom James (Northampton) and Corné Weilbach (Stormers).