Harlequins is delighted to announce the signing of Tongan international back-row Viliami Taulani from the Waikato Chiefs
A powerful back-row, Taulani joins Harlequins fresh from international duty with Tonga having faced the All Blacks and Samoa in July.
Versatile with the ability to cover the second row, Taulani featured twice for the Chiefs during their 20/21 campaign, playing in both the Super Rugby and Super Rugby AOTEAROA competitions.
Taulani, 24, was also a member of the Counties Manakau 2020 Mitre 10 Cup squad, having played for the side on 19 occasions since 2016. A strong lineout operator that has impressed during his time in New Zealand, Quins’ latest squad addition weighs in at 118kg, standing at 6’3”.
Excited to join the Gallagher Premiership champions, Taulani said: “I’m stoked to be joining Harlequins, the 2020/21 Premiership Champions. Coming from a small nation like Tonga, there were very few opportunities to live out my dream. I have had awesome opportunities in New Zealand, having played for Counties Manukau since 2016 and with the Chiefs in the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa competition.
“However, I am looking forward to meeting new teammates, developing my skills from a fantastic coaching setup, getting the chance to play in Premiership, and the opportunities that being part of Harlequins will bring for myself and my family.
“Quins are a world-famous team with a clear culture and identity. I’m excited to become part of that and put my best foot forward. I’m looking forward to working under Tabai Matson again, too. Tabai is a great coach and someone I know will help Quins to go to the next level.”
Welcoming the explosive back-row, Senior Coach Tabai Matson said: “It’s great to welcome Viliami to Harlequins. He is a player I came to know during my time in New Zealand and has a great ability to put his team on the front foot.
“He is a guy that plays some abrasive rugby and will fit in well with how we like to do things at Harlequins. We’re looking forward to seeing him play the Harlequins Way.”
Come and watch the Champions take on Worcester Warriors on September 25!
Source – Harlequins Rugby
