Guinness Premiership : Experienced, international back row Hala'Ufia joins Exiles

Experienced, international back row Hala'Ufia joins Exiles

8 May 2008, 1:17 pm

By Sean Bridger

London Irish have announced the signing of the Tongan international back row, Chris Hala'Ufia on a two year contract. He will join the club for pre-season training in July.

With 20 international caps for his country Hala'Ufia will bring valuable experience of playing in this country and in Europe to the Exiles' back row. He is known as a strong running No 8 that can break tackles.

The 29-year-old, Tongan born forward joins after two seasons with Harlequins. Previously, he played for Rotherham and Grand Parma in Italy.

"As London Irish continues to progress to being a top European club we need players like Chris Hala'Ufia with a proven track record of competing in the Premiership and in Europe," said London Irish's Forwards Coach, Toby Booth. "With the introduction of the ELVs next season dynamic ball carriers will be more important, Chris has shown what he can do in this regard and is an exciting prospect for us going forward."

Commenting on his move, Chris said: "I've had a chance to watch London Irish in the Premiership over the past two seasons and like the way they play. I've also had good reports about the club from friends who already play for it. I'm looking forward to competing for a place in the back row and helping the club realise its ambitions."