Weepu will fit in just fine at Welsh, says Vella

Nathan Vella is confident that his former Auckland teammate Piri Weepu will have little difficulty settling in to life at London Welsh and the Aviva Premiership.

The pair made their Auckland debuts together against Canterbury in 2012 in the ITM Cup and Vella is looking forward to once again linking up with the 71 times capped New Zealand World Cup winning scrum half. 

“It will be good to see him again and catch up when he arrives,” said Vella. “We’re not in the Aviva Premiership just to survive, we’re here to compete and signing someone like Piri is a huge statement.

“I’ve never played in the Premiership myself, but he’s one of those players that will just slot in. He’ll be fine.”

For Vella, that appearance against Canterbury saw him represent Auckland at every grade from Under 14s through to the ITM Cup.

 He joined Welsh’s Championship winning season in December, making his debut against Edinburgh Academical in the British and Irish Cup at Old Deer Park, and Vella believes Weepu will make a big impact at the Exiles.

“He’s a really good guy, great for the team environment and he’s a really skilful player. He’s vocal and he sees the game in a different way to how most people see it. He’s always willing to help young players and spread his knowledge around,” said Vella.

“He’s down to earth and he’s got time for everyone. He’ll get his head down and just be another member of the team.”

The arrival of Weepu will swell the Kiwi contingent within London Welsh ranks to five, as he joins Daniel Browne, Cameron Goodhue, Vella and team manager Sonny Parker at the Club, and will ensure there will be huge interest in New Zealand in how the Exiles fare in the Premiership.

 “It’s definitely raised the profile of the Club back home, and all over the world. Piri’s one of the most famous rugby players over the last 10 years and it’s really put London Welsh on the map as an Aviva Premiership club,” added Vella.

The 2014/15 Premiership season will see Sunday afternoons at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford (kick-off 2:30pm) become synonymous with London Welsh (unless on occasions when dictated otherwise by television), with the club having committed to playing its home games at the Kassam Stadium for the next three years.