London: Tongan international back Nafi Tuitavake became the second Pacific Island player to sign for English Premiership outfit Northampton Saints in two days when he joined on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old New Zealand-born utility back — a member of the 2009 Junior World Championships-winning All Blacks side, which included the likes of Aaron Cruden and Zac Guildford — joins from French outfit Narbonne.
Fijian international lock Api Ratuniyarawa signed for Saints on Tuesday from another French side, Agen.
Tuitavake, who will join up with another member of the 2009 championship winning side but now a Samoan international Ken Pisi, brings plenty of top level experience to the side having been a regular for the Crusaders in Super Rugby and also represented New Zealand in the the World Rugby Sevens Series.
“We have been really impressed with what we have seen of Nafi,” said Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder.
“He has performed on lots of big stages from Super Rugby and New Zealand Sevens to international rugby and we think his ability and experience from these will further enhance our squad.
“He is an exciting talent who has all the attributes to be a success here.”
Tuitavake, whose older brother, former All Black international back Anthony, is at Racing 92, said he’d enjoyed his year at Narbonne but Northampton offered him a chance to play at the highest level in Europe.
“I have really enjoyed my time at Narbonne, but the opportunity to join Northampton was one I could not resist,” said Tuitavake.
“They are a world-renowned club with some amazing players and I can’t wait to get started.
“I know Ace Tuala very well and Ken Pisi from our time at North Harbour and they have nothing but good things to say about Saints.
“I am very grateful to Narbonne president Bernard Archilla for allowing me to take this opportunity.”
