London Irish sign Samoa international Belgium Tuatagaloa for remainder of season

London Irish have secured the services of Samoa international Belgium Tuatagaloa for the remainder of the ongoing season.

Tuatagaloa started his professional rugby career with Canterbury in 2013 and was included in Crusaders squad but a broken leg cut short his association with the New Zealand based side. The 30-year-old was part of the French side Valence Romans between 2016 and 2019 and emerged as the leading try-scorer during the 2018/19 season of ProD2.

The 6ft utility back made his Samoa debut in July 2019 and has gone on to play four Tests including a solitary appearance in the recently concluded World Cup in Japan. He has also represented New Zealand and Samoa Sevens sides in the past.

“Belgium is a good addition to our squad and will get his chance to wear the London Irish jersey for the first time in the Premiership Rugby Shield fixture against Harlequins this evening," said London Irish director of rugby Declan Kidney.

London Irish are positioned ninth in the Gallagher Premiership table with two victories from six games while they are third in Pool 2 of the European Challenge Cup with a solitary victory from four matches.