Latest news with #Tongan
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
URC: Tonga centre Fetuli Paea becomes Dragons' ninth signing
The 30-year-old will head to Rodney Parade from Italy on a two-year contract and is the ninth confirmed signing of an extensive rebuild after a nightmare season. Paea has long been on the radar of Filo Tiatia and the head coach name-checked the former Crusaders and Highlanders back as a dangerman ahead of February's United Rugby Championship clash in Parma. The 12-times capped Tongan then went on to score a (contentious) try in a victory that all but cemented the Dragons finishing bottom of the URC. Paea, who can play inside and outside centre, made 17 appearances for Zebre and three for his country alongside fellow new recruit Fine Inisi. 'He's a very talented centre who has played international rugby for Tonga and Super Rugby for Crusaders and the Highlanders. He'll bring a wealth of experience to the group,' said Tiatia about the centre, who made 45 successful carries in the URC. 'Fetuli is a player I've followed closely for some time. He has good footwork pre-contact, is a gain line winner and will be eager to bring success to our club.' The Dragons currently have Aneurin Owen, Harri Ackerman, Joe Westwood and Harry Wilson on the books for next season as options at centre along with wingers Jared Rosser and Inisi. Wilson is under contract but there is the possibility of him leaving early after failing to hit the heights in his first season in Europe following a move from the Waratahs. However, the Paea move was in the pipeline before any potential departure for the Australian. The centre is excited about the chance to become the third Tongan at Rodney Parade alongside Inisi and back rower Solomone Funaki, who is yet to play for the club after an injury nightmare in 2024/25. Paea said: 'The move to Dragons has my family and I excited about being in a new environment and atmosphere. 'I've decided to make the move to put myself in a position where I'm able to continue to learn and gain more experience. 'I'm eager to take on the new challenge, meet the Dragons family and our loyal fans and get started.' The Dragons have confirmed the signings of centre Paea, wing Inisi, fly-half Tinus de Beer, loosehead Wyn Jones, tighthead Dillon Lewis, locks Seb Davies and Levi Douglas and flankers Thomas Young and Harry Beddall. South African tighthead Robert Hunt has been lined up from the Cheetahs and a scrum-half and potentially another back rower are also on the shopping list, while signing another centre could be explored if Wilson leaves.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Welsh club announce early departure of overseas star as statements released
Welsh club announce early departure of overseas star as statements released The 24-year-old will head back to Australia after just one season in Wales Dragons centre Harry Wilson is tackled by Jimmy O'Brien of Leinster (Image: Shauna Clinton/Huw Evans Agency ) Harry Wilson has left the Dragons after just one season, with the centre returning to Australia after just a dozen appearances for the Welsh club. WalesOnline reported last week that the 24-year-old, who signed for the Men of Gwent last summer from Super Rugby franchise Waratahs, was set to depart. The Dragons have now confirmed his exit by mutual consent after just 12 outings for the Rodney Parade side. The son of former World Cup winner David arrived in Newport last summer as a high-profile recruit, being brought to the club by former head coach Dai Flanagan. However, after Flanagan left early in the season, Wilson failed to settle into a struggling side - making just five starts as the Dragons won just once in the United Rugby Championship. The two parties have agreed to part ways early, with Wilson now returning down under. 'A massive thank you to all the staff for your support this season," said Wilson. "I appreciate the time and effort you all put into me. Article continues below 'To the players, this is a special group, and I am definitely going to miss turning up to training each day with you all. I've made mates for life and that's what I'll always remember about my time here with Dragons. 'I wish the club and everyone individually all the success in the future.' On Instagram, he opened up even more, putting up a post with the caption: "Nothing ventured, nothing gained." 'Grateful for all the experiences I've had over the past year,' he added. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. 'Been challenging at times, but one I'll always look back on with many memories. Excited to be back home with my family.' The Dragons already have Aneurin Owen, Harri Ackerman and Joe Westwood as their midfield options, while they confirmed a deal for Tongan international Fetuli Paea from Zebre on Monday. Jared Rosser and new signing Fine Inisi can also play in midfield, meaning any more centre signings are unlikely. 'I've really enjoyed working with Harry this season," said Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia said. "He's been a great character in our group, a well-liked and popular player, who has worked hard throughout his time with us. 'He's young man who has come out of Super Rugby and embraced the challenge in a new country with us and been a pleasure to work with. Article continues below 'We now wish him every success for the future and look forward to seeing how his career progresses. Harry and his family will always be warmly welcomed back at Rodney Parade in the future.'
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Jealous Sharks star says Origin rule change not answer
Addin Fonua-Blake says State of Origin eligibility rules should not change, even if the Sydney-born Cronulla prop finds himself jealous watching others play for NSW. Fonua-Blake remains at the centre of Origin's great eligibility debate, unable to play in the game's showpiece event despite being one of the NRL's best forwards. A Mascot Jets junior who was born in Sydney's north-west, Fonua-Blake is ineligible after representing his New Zealand heritage and playing one Test off the bench for the Kiwis against Scotland in 2017. The front-rower would otherwise likely be one of the first picked for NSW if available, in what would be a fearsome one-two punch alongside Payne Haas. Origin rules state that players are able to represent NSW or Queensland if they lived in the state before age 13, and have not represented England or New Zealand. The same rule means the Roosters' Victor Radley is ineligible to play Origin - he's Sydney-born but played Tests for England - although players born overseas who represent second-tier rugby league nations are able to, such as Canterbury's Samoan representative Stephen Crichton. Fonua-Blake admitted on Tuesday he could have been better advised when he played for New Zealand as a youngster before now representing Tonga. "I was pretty young. An opportunity presented itself (with New Zealand)," Fonua-Blake said. "If I had the right mindset or people around me back then, it might have been a different story. "I have no regrets for my career and the way it's unfolded ... I'm happy just representing the Sharks in Tonga. "I'd be lying if I said I'm not jealous a bit. You sit back and you watch it and the build up for it and the excitement around it and you'd love to be a part of it." Asked whether eligibility rules should change to allow players to feature in Origin regardless of previous representation, Fonua-Blake rejected the suggestion. "I reckon they should just keep the rules the same," he said. "A lot of people will get an opportunity that weren't born here. "It's better off if they just leave the rules the same, with young kids born in Queensland and NSW representing Queensland and NSW. "That ship sailed for me a long time ago. I made a decision and it's part of the decision. I can't play anymore." Origin talk aside, Fonua-Blake is relishing a shot at his old club the Warriors and his replacement James Fisher-Harris on Saturday. The Tongan star has conceded his honeymoon period at Cronulla is now over, saying he wants to be a leader of the pack. "James has been playing out of his skin this year for them. He's a real leader for them and I see myself as a bit of a leader for this team," Fonua-Blake said. "There is an alpha in every team and you've got to try and match their energy every week. "I'd be lying if I say it's not in the back of my mind to try and get the best of (the other team's) best prop." Addin Fonua-Blake says State of Origin eligibility rules should not change, even if the Sydney-born Cronulla prop finds himself jealous watching others play for NSW. Fonua-Blake remains at the centre of Origin's great eligibility debate, unable to play in the game's showpiece event despite being one of the NRL's best forwards. A Mascot Jets junior who was born in Sydney's north-west, Fonua-Blake is ineligible after representing his New Zealand heritage and playing one Test off the bench for the Kiwis against Scotland in 2017. The front-rower would otherwise likely be one of the first picked for NSW if available, in what would be a fearsome one-two punch alongside Payne Haas. Origin rules state that players are able to represent NSW or Queensland if they lived in the state before age 13, and have not represented England or New Zealand. The same rule means the Roosters' Victor Radley is ineligible to play Origin - he's Sydney-born but played Tests for England - although players born overseas who represent second-tier rugby league nations are able to, such as Canterbury's Samoan representative Stephen Crichton. Fonua-Blake admitted on Tuesday he could have been better advised when he played for New Zealand as a youngster before now representing Tonga. "I was pretty young. An opportunity presented itself (with New Zealand)," Fonua-Blake said. "If I had the right mindset or people around me back then, it might have been a different story. "I have no regrets for my career and the way it's unfolded ... I'm happy just representing the Sharks in Tonga. "I'd be lying if I said I'm not jealous a bit. You sit back and you watch it and the build up for it and the excitement around it and you'd love to be a part of it." Asked whether eligibility rules should change to allow players to feature in Origin regardless of previous representation, Fonua-Blake rejected the suggestion. "I reckon they should just keep the rules the same," he said. "A lot of people will get an opportunity that weren't born here. "It's better off if they just leave the rules the same, with young kids born in Queensland and NSW representing Queensland and NSW. "That ship sailed for me a long time ago. I made a decision and it's part of the decision. I can't play anymore." Origin talk aside, Fonua-Blake is relishing a shot at his old club the Warriors and his replacement James Fisher-Harris on Saturday. The Tongan star has conceded his honeymoon period at Cronulla is now over, saying he wants to be a leader of the pack. "James has been playing out of his skin this year for them. He's a real leader for them and I see myself as a bit of a leader for this team," Fonua-Blake said. "There is an alpha in every team and you've got to try and match their energy every week. "I'd be lying if I say it's not in the back of my mind to try and get the best of (the other team's) best prop." Addin Fonua-Blake says State of Origin eligibility rules should not change, even if the Sydney-born Cronulla prop finds himself jealous watching others play for NSW. Fonua-Blake remains at the centre of Origin's great eligibility debate, unable to play in the game's showpiece event despite being one of the NRL's best forwards. A Mascot Jets junior who was born in Sydney's north-west, Fonua-Blake is ineligible after representing his New Zealand heritage and playing one Test off the bench for the Kiwis against Scotland in 2017. The front-rower would otherwise likely be one of the first picked for NSW if available, in what would be a fearsome one-two punch alongside Payne Haas. Origin rules state that players are able to represent NSW or Queensland if they lived in the state before age 13, and have not represented England or New Zealand. The same rule means the Roosters' Victor Radley is ineligible to play Origin - he's Sydney-born but played Tests for England - although players born overseas who represent second-tier rugby league nations are able to, such as Canterbury's Samoan representative Stephen Crichton. Fonua-Blake admitted on Tuesday he could have been better advised when he played for New Zealand as a youngster before now representing Tonga. "I was pretty young. An opportunity presented itself (with New Zealand)," Fonua-Blake said. "If I had the right mindset or people around me back then, it might have been a different story. "I have no regrets for my career and the way it's unfolded ... I'm happy just representing the Sharks in Tonga. "I'd be lying if I said I'm not jealous a bit. You sit back and you watch it and the build up for it and the excitement around it and you'd love to be a part of it." Asked whether eligibility rules should change to allow players to feature in Origin regardless of previous representation, Fonua-Blake rejected the suggestion. "I reckon they should just keep the rules the same," he said. "A lot of people will get an opportunity that weren't born here. "It's better off if they just leave the rules the same, with young kids born in Queensland and NSW representing Queensland and NSW. "That ship sailed for me a long time ago. I made a decision and it's part of the decision. I can't play anymore." Origin talk aside, Fonua-Blake is relishing a shot at his old club the Warriors and his replacement James Fisher-Harris on Saturday. The Tongan star has conceded his honeymoon period at Cronulla is now over, saying he wants to be a leader of the pack. "James has been playing out of his skin this year for them. He's a real leader for them and I see myself as a bit of a leader for this team," Fonua-Blake said. "There is an alpha in every team and you've got to try and match their energy every week. "I'd be lying if I say it's not in the back of my mind to try and get the best of (the other team's) best prop."
West Australian
2 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Jealous Sharks star says Origin rule change not answer
Addin Fonua-Blake says State of Origin eligibility rules should not change, even if the Sydney-born Cronulla prop finds himself jealous watching others play for NSW. Fonua-Blake remains at the centre of Origin's great eligibility debate, unable to play in the game's showpiece event despite being one of the NRL's best forwards. A Mascot Jets junior who was born in Sydney's north-west, Fonua-Blake is ineligible after representing his New Zealand heritage and playing one Test off the bench for the Kiwis against Scotland in 2017. The front-rower would otherwise likely be one of the first picked for NSW if available, in what would be a fearsome one-two punch alongside Payne Haas. Origin rules state that players are able to represent NSW or Queensland if they lived in the state before age 13, and have not represented England or New Zealand. The same rule means the Roosters' Victor Radley is ineligible to play Origin - he's Sydney-born but played Tests for England - although players born overseas who represent second-tier rugby league nations are able to, such as Canterbury's Samoan representative Stephen Crichton. Fonua-Blake admitted on Tuesday he could have been better advised when he played for New Zealand as a youngster before now representing Tonga. "I was pretty young. An opportunity presented itself (with New Zealand)," Fonua-Blake said. "If I had the right mindset or people around me back then, it might have been a different story. "I have no regrets for my career and the way it's unfolded ... I'm happy just representing the Sharks in Tonga. "I'd be lying if I said I'm not jealous a bit. You sit back and you watch it and the build up for it and the excitement around it and you'd love to be a part of it." Asked whether eligibility rules should change to allow players to feature in Origin regardless of previous representation, Fonua-Blake rejected the suggestion. "I reckon they should just keep the rules the same," he said. "A lot of people will get an opportunity that weren't born here. "It's better off if they just leave the rules the same, with young kids born in Queensland and NSW representing Queensland and NSW. "That ship sailed for me a long time ago. I made a decision and it's part of the decision. I can't play anymore." Origin talk aside, Fonua-Blake is relishing a shot at his old club the Warriors and his replacement James Fisher-Harris on Saturday. The Tongan star has conceded his honeymoon period at Cronulla is now over, saying he wants to be a leader of the pack. "James has been playing out of his skin this year for them. He's a real leader for them and I see myself as a bit of a leader for this team," Fonua-Blake said. "There is an alpha in every team and you've got to try and match their energy every week. "I'd be lying if I say it's not in the back of my mind to try and get the best of (the other team's) best prop."
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Jealous Sharks star says Origin rule change not answer
Addin Fonua-Blake says State of Origin eligibility rules should not change, even if the Sydney-born Cronulla prop finds himself jealous watching others play for NSW. Fonua-Blake remains at the centre of Origin's great eligibility debate, unable to play in the game's showpiece event despite being one of the NRL's best forwards. A Mascot Jets junior who was born in Sydney's north-west, Fonua-Blake is ineligible after representing his New Zealand heritage and playing one Test off the bench for the Kiwis against Scotland in 2017. The front-rower would otherwise likely be one of the first picked for NSW if available, in what would be a fearsome one-two punch alongside Payne Haas. Origin rules state that players are able to represent NSW or Queensland if they lived in the state before age 13, and have not represented England or New Zealand. The same rule means the Roosters' Victor Radley is ineligible to play Origin - he's Sydney-born but played Tests for England - although players born overseas who represent second-tier rugby league nations are able to, such as Canterbury's Samoan representative Stephen Crichton. Fonua-Blake admitted on Tuesday he could have been better advised when he played for New Zealand as a youngster before now representing Tonga. "I was pretty young. An opportunity presented itself (with New Zealand)," Fonua-Blake said. "If I had the right mindset or people around me back then, it might have been a different story. "I have no regrets for my career and the way it's unfolded ... I'm happy just representing the Sharks in Tonga. "I'd be lying if I said I'm not jealous a bit. You sit back and you watch it and the build up for it and the excitement around it and you'd love to be a part of it." Asked whether eligibility rules should change to allow players to feature in Origin regardless of previous representation, Fonua-Blake rejected the suggestion. "I reckon they should just keep the rules the same," he said. "A lot of people will get an opportunity that weren't born here. "It's better off if they just leave the rules the same, with young kids born in Queensland and NSW representing Queensland and NSW. "That ship sailed for me a long time ago. I made a decision and it's part of the decision. I can't play anymore." Origin talk aside, Fonua-Blake is relishing a shot at his old club the Warriors and his replacement James Fisher-Harris on Saturday. The Tongan star has conceded his honeymoon period at Cronulla is now over, saying he wants to be a leader of the pack. "James has been playing out of his skin this year for them. He's a real leader for them and I see myself as a bit of a leader for this team," Fonua-Blake said. "There is an alpha in every team and you've got to try and match their energy every week. "I'd be lying if I say it's not in the back of my mind to try and get the best of (the other team's) best prop."
