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Major League Rugby sign Tonga's all-time leading try scorer
American Major League side Utah Warriors have announced the signing of former Otago Highlander, Exeter Chief and Tonga’s all-time leading try-scorer, Fetu’u Vainikolo.
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Vainikolo said he was “looking forward to this opportunity and a new beginning in Utah.”
“Everyone knows the massive potential that rugby has in America, and I can’t wait to be a part of it with the Utah Warriors.”
“I’ve played all over the world in the toughest competitions, but have never been a part of growing a club from the very beginning.
“It’s going to be a challenge but these are very exciting times in Utah.”
“We’ll have to wait and see what the future holds, but I’m confident in the team the Warriors are putting together both on and off the field.”
Warriors head coach Alf Daniels said “signing Fetu’u is huge for us, he’s a very exciting player who can be a real spark in our backline.”
“You can see from his highlights that he loves to score tries and can do so from almost anywhere.”
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“Someone with his experience and skill set just needs the ball to thrive, but once he arrives we’ll see where he fits with the team and will put him in the best position to succeed.”
“Not many other teams in MLR can say they have someone who has played ITM Cup, Super Rugby, Pro12, Aviva Premiership, Top 14 and two World Cups.
“We’re excited to see his experience and talent shine in a Warriors jersey.”
Born in a small Tongan village of Ha’alalo, Vainikolo was the second youngest of six children and moved to New Zealand at the age of 12.
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The winger made his ITM Cup debut for Northland in 2007, where he caught the eye of Super Rugby for his try-scoring exploits.
In 2008 he joined the Highlanders, becoming one of their key performers in his three years stint with the franchise.
Vainikolo moved north in 2011 to play for Connacht in the Pro12, where he would spend two years as a regular starter.
He later has stints with Exeter Chiefs, where helped them to win the LV Cup in 2014 and most recently with Top14 side Oyonnax and Valence Romans.
The 32-year-old received his first international cap in 2011 against Fiji and would go on to play a total of 28-tests for the ‘Ikale Tahi.
Vainikolo was selected for the 2011 World Cup and was a part of the squad that beat France in the pool stages.
He was selected again in 2015 and is currently Tonga’s all-time leading try scorer in test history with 17 tries.
