TALKS are underway at Worcester Warriors to try and retain the services of exciting wing Cooper Vuna beyond the end of this season.
The 27-year-old has made a big impact since his arrival from Japanese outfit Toshiba Brave Lupus last month including bagging a hat-trick in Saturday’s 69-8 thrashing of Cornish Pirates.
But Warriors head coach Carl Hogg revealed Vuna, who won two caps for Australia in 2012, has only been contracted until the end of the season.
The former Melbourne Rebels back has already become a popular figure among the Sixways faithful and Hogg said the club were working to try and extend his deal.
“His future is something which is under discussion and we are hopeful of keeping him,” Hogg said. “He has been a great acquisition for us and a great asset.
“He brings point of difference in our back line. He has got pace and good feet, but he has also got power as well, so he has been fantastic over the short-term and hopefully that can be over the longer term as well.”
If Vuna stays at Sixways, he will be joined by New Zealand Sevens international Bryce Heem, who has agreed to sign for the Greene King IPA Championship side from Waikato Chiefs, and Hogg said he was looking forward to seeing his back line in action.
“We will have some real power and pace in our back line next season,” Hogg added.
“We will have some X-Factor, but it also just creates that level of competition within the group and that’s what we have always promoted.
“It will be a challenge for Sam Smith and Tom Biggs to raise the bar, so it is great to have the quality of Heem and Vuna coming in.”