Tonga rugby international Viliami Taulani has signed for English Premiership champions Harlequins.
Viliami Taulani playing for Tonga against Samoa. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 24-year-old loose forward featured twice for the Chiefs during this year's Super Rugby competition and is currently playing for Counties Manukau in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.
The Tonga-born utility made his test debut against the All Blacks last month and also played in Rugby World Cup qualifying games against Manu Samoa and the Cook Islands, where he spent time playing in the backrow and at lock.
"I'm stoked to be joining Harlequins, the 2020/21 Premiership Champions," he said.
"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."
Taulani is the only Pacific Island international in the Harlequins squad, which is coached by former New Zealand and Fiji international John Tabaiwalu Fakavale Matson.
"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."
Matson is former Crusaders, Chiefs and Fiji assistant coach and said Taulani was a player he came to know during his time in New Zealand.
"He has a great ability to put his team on the front foot and he is a guy that plays some abrasive rugby."
Harlequins have two pre-season matches in September before kicking off their Premiership title defence against Newcastle on 19 September.