Leeds sign Tongan prop
Leeds Carnegie have bolstered their Championship promotion hopes with the signing of Tongan international prop Halani Aulika until the end of the current season.
The 28-year-old, who can play at loose or tight head, joins having played for the Highlanders in Super Rugby last season and made three appearances in the World Cup in New Zealand for Tongan.
Commenting on the signing Director of Rugby Diccon Edwards said, “We are delighted to have secured a player of Halani’s quality as we enter a crucial part of the season. The fact that he can play on both sides of the front row is a major plus for us especially with Mike MacDonald and Phil Swainston currently out injured and Kane Palma-Newport having returned to Bath after his loan spell at the club.
“He will add a lot of experience to our squad as we look to build our momentum in to the play offs and our promotion drive,” added Edwards.
Aulika, who arrived in England today, has been capped five times for Tonga, making his debut for the national team in August 2011 in the World Cup warm up games against Fiji. He has previously played for The Highlanders, Otago and Otuhuhu in New Zealand having been born in Tonga.
