Tamaiti Horua signs with force

[Rugby191]

Former Brumbies flanker Tamaiti Horua has signed with the Emirates Western Force on a two year contract.
The 26 year old won 34 Super caps with the Brumbies, debuting against the Blues in 2002, the same year he captained the Australian U21s.

He also played for the Australian U21s in 2001, the Australian U19s in 2000 and Australia A in 2003 and 2005.

A one-time captain of the Canberra Vikings and touted as a future Brumbies captain, Horua will come to Perth after two seasons with Japanese club, Toyota.

The 112kg New Zealand born, Melbourne raised blindside flanker can also play No 8.

[The InnFORCEr]

How do we keep finding such talent!

Great work to get him on board.

Good luck Tamaiti, look forward to seeing you in action.

Wonder who he will play ARC for??

[Burgs]

Not really a position I thought we were after but maybe there is some concerns for Fava?
Well found Rugby191.

[Burgs]

The Emirates Western Force Signs Tamaiti Horua

Wednesday, July 11, 2007 3:40pm
RugbyWA

Former Brumbies flanker Tamaiti Horua has signed with the Emirates Western Force on a two year contract.

The 26 year old won 34 Super caps with the Brumbies, debuting against the Blues in 2002, the same year he captained the Australian U21s.

He also played for the Australian U21s in 2001, the Australian U19s in 2000 and Australia A in 2003 and 2005.

A one-time captain of the Canberra Vikings and touted as a future Brumbies captain, Horua will come to Perth after two seasons with Japanese club, Toyota.

The 112kg New Zealand born, Melbourne raised blindside flanker can also play No 8.

Horua said he was excited about returning to Australia and was looking forward to working with Force head coach John Mitchell, for whom he had high regard.

“He has a good eye for the game and he’ll help me identify those areas where I can improve and where I can make a difference,” he said.

“I’ve been watching my old teammates like Gits and Henners and seeing them doing well has inspired me to come back and have another good go.”

Emirates Western Force Head Coach John Mitchell said Horua had a good knowledge of the game, and was a strong ball carrier.

“He’s a powerful forward, with clever ball skills and will bring some extra grunt in the backrow, particularly with the ball in hand,” he said.

“We’re looking for the backrow trio to have more influence on our game, and Tamaiti will give us greater depth and more competition for places which should bring out the best in our people.”

[Burgs]

Interesting, it's not the first time we have tried to get Tamaiti: http://www.rugbywa.com.au/news/2005/.../section/50753

[AndyS]

He'll get his fitness tested by John Mitchell, that is certain - I'm sure what JM is looking for (or will be wanting to build) is a big, running no.8 like So'oialo.

[travelling_gerry]

He's a big unit isnt he...

[AndyS]

No question. Reckon it is the best move for him, as he'll be playing under a coach with very strong views on the responsibilities and importance of the back row. I'll bet it is going to hurt, but if he proves up well Cliffy Palu better be looking over his (dodgy) shoulder.

[Evie]

I am so happy he has returned to OZ... it was such a shame to see him leave the Brumbies a few years ago.
A great signing and I hope he does really well for the Force.

[no.8]

Well now we have Tamaiti. We're going to win the Super 14 competition!
I reckon Pusey willmove into a full time Locking roll either from the Blindside or off the bench, depending on whether Horua ends up at 6 or 8.
Strange how one signing can change the whole configuration of a team.

[AndyS]

So what could be the eventual pack (call it the 2009 season)? My call:

1. Hardy
2. McIsaac
3. Takiari
4. Vedelago
5. Sharpe
6. Pusey
7. Pocock
8. Tamaiti

16. Holmes
17. Whalley
18. Doherty
19. Brown

[Burgs]

Apart from Pat O'Connor for Doherty, I would agree with that Andy

[AndyS]

Yes, quite possibly. Actually, another year and I'd also be wondering how Hocking is coming on in the apprenticeship program. I'd imagine the two Scotts (Fava and Angus) wouldn't be taking the challenge lying down either - it is a nice position to be in.

[Nick]

Sweet we need a bit of an enforcer in the back row.

[Thequeerone]

Do we have a piky - is he a mongrel ?