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English-qualified Amena Caqusau agrees Premiership switch from Glasgow
By Josh Raisey
Northampton Saints have signed English-qualified Scotland U20 winger Amena Caqusau from Glasgow Warriors ahead of next season.
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The 20-year-old was born in Salisbury, educated in Scotland and the son of a Fijian member of the British Army, but said that Northampton feels “closer to home for me.”
The 96kg wing will be competing for a place on the wing with England internationals Tommy Freeman and Ollie Sleightholme at Franklin’s Gardens next season, as well as England hopefuls George Hendy and James Ramm.
Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson said that Caqusau caught his eye last season while playing against England U20, while included a contingent of Saints players.
“I’m really happy to be making the move to Northampton Saints,” he said. “I’ve been watching the Premiership my whole life, and I’ve really enjoyed watching Saints play over the last couple of years.
“The league is very competitive and that’s an exciting opportunity for me, while Saints play a brilliant brand of rugby within it.
“The coaching team in Northampton also have a great track record of bringing young wingers through successfully – and then onwards into international rugby too.
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“Northampton’s also a lot closer to home for me, so I’ll be able to see more of my family, and it’s a place where rugby is at the heart of the local community. It’s clear to see how much the club means to the supporters, and how much love the supporters share for the team, so that was definitely also something that attracted me.
“I always try to bring speed and flair to my game, being Fijian that is something we pride ourselves on, and I just want to be able to contribute to Saints as best I can.”
Dowson added: “We first noticed Amena playing in the Under-20s Six Nations last year, while we were watching Henry Pollock, Craig Wright and Archie McParland, and his natural athleticism was clear to see.
“His father hails from Fiji and played Sevens and XVs for the British Army, and Amena has that very Fijian ability to beat players, to be powerful in contact, and to get offloads away.
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“We really liked the way he played, and then we did our research and he came across as a really hardworking character, who wasn’t necessarily playing much up in Glasgow. We felt that within our pathway system, he had huge potential.
“We’re excited to see what he can do in open field. He has an eye for a break, and also has a good feel for making shots in defence as well.
“Amena is hungry to play and to show what he is capable of, and we are keen to have him in our environment to give him the chance to work and develop.”
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It says he’s England qualified, but he’ll likely play for Scotland. He’s come through Scotland's development pathway (which i’m surprised even exists) so should play for them or Fiji.