DIRECTOR of rugby Dean Ryan believes he has helped Cooper Vuna from slipping deeper into the ‘black hole’ of Japanese rugby.
The wing joined Worcester Warriors last week after agreeing to leave Toshiba Brave Lupus to pursue his career in England.
Before moving to Asia in 2013, Vuna, 27, made a name for himself at Super 15 outfit Melbourne Rebels and won two caps for Australia.
And Ryan was hopeful Warriors could provide the former rugby league player with a platform to reignite his international career.
“Cooper had disappeared into that black hole which is Japan,” Ryan said. “We became aware of him and followed him when he was at the Rebels, but then he disappeared.
“It is not a place that you go to (to sign players). I have probably only signed one player before from there and that was Willy Walker.
“I knew Willy when he was in New Zealand and then disappeared, but he then came out and went on to play really well for Gloucester and Worcester.
“Cooper was playing against Wales before he went, so we know he can operate at a high level and we have got to get the best out of him here. If we can give him the framework and support here, we will have another asset to the business.”
A late fitness test ruled Vuna out of Worcester’s clash against Plymouth Albion last week, which would have been his debut. But Ryan said he was confident the “powerful” wing would give his side an added edge in attack this season.
“Having seen a glimpse of him, we know what he can offer,” he added. “He’s got power and that’s something we lack.
“He has also got really good feet and is a little bit more direct. It is OK being on the outside, but sometimes the game does not allow you that, so you have to come in and be a bit more confrontational and Cooper offers us that.”
Vuna, who has also played international rugby league for Tonga, said he was looking to get his ‘hands dirty’ at Warriors after a frustrating spell in Japan.
“It was hard (in Japan) as they can only have two foreigners on the field at one time and when you have got the likes of Richard Kahuit and Francois Steyn in front of you that is some competition,” he added.
“But I am lucky enough to get a taste of rugby around the world. I want to come and try the UK out and Worcester gave me that chance, so now I want to grab it with both hands.”