HEAD coach Carl Hogg is delighted to have signed ‘hungry’ and ‘talented’ USA international Joe Taufete’e until the end of the season.
The 24-year-old front row, who can play at prop or hooker, has already joined up with his new Warriors teammates and could be available for selection in the club’s mouth-watering Boxing Day Aviva Premiership clash with basement side Bristol.
“Joe is a hungry young forward with a lot of potential, said Hogg.
“He’s a big, strong ball-carrier which will allow us to get on the front foot in matches, so we’re looking forward to working with him and helping him reach the top of his game,” he added.
The Californian-born player, who made the switch to rugby in 2011 after a short stint in American football, made his international debut for the USA against South Africa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Taufete’e has gone on to make nine appearances for the Eagles, crossing the whitewash on three occasions, with the latest coming last month as USA were edged 20-17 by Tonga in Spain.
The versatile forward formerly played his rugby at Belmont Shore RFC in California and Otorohanga RFC in Waikato, New Zealand, before earning a professional contract at USA PRO Rugby’s San Diego Breakers.
Taufete’e also skippered the USA Rugby Selects at the Americas Pacific Challenge developmental tournament in Uruguay earlier this year.
“I’ve always wanted to play rugby overseas and I’m genuinely excited about the prospect of playing Premiership rugby,” said the Vallejo High School graduate.
“I’ve heard great things about the club from Jackson Willison, whom I used to play alongside at Otorohanga and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the guys,” he added.