Newcastle Falcons sign Tonga prop Taione Vea from London Welsh
Tuesday 17 March 2015 10:55, UK
Newcastle have continued their recruitment for next season by signing Tonga prop Taione Vea from London Welsh.
Vea, 26, joins Kiwi fly-half Mike Delany, England Sevens full-back Marcus Watson, Yorkshire Carnegie prop Ben Harris and compatriot Sonatane Takulua by agreeing moves to Kingston Park.
The front-row forward, who has signed a two-year deal, first appeared for Tonga against Japan in the 2013 Pacific Nations Cup.
Auckland-born Vea has gone on to make six appearances for the Tongans after beginning his career with New Zealand side North Harbour before moving to the Aviva Premiership to join Wasps and then Welsh.
The six-foot two-inch, 20 stone forward has appeared 25 times for the Exiles, scoring tries against London Irish and Northampton Saints.
Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards said: “We’re pleased to be able to add Taione to the squad for the next season. He’s a quality prop who is a great scrummager and equally strong on the loose work too.
“As a Tongan international he brings a powerful and skilled head to our front row, although he’s also a very humble guy who I know will fit in well with our squad.”
As a Tongan international he brings a powerful and skilled head to our front row, although he’s also a very humble guy who I know will fit in well with our squad
Vea said: “I’ve spoken with Dean about his plans for Newcastle Falcons and his vision on where the club is going and it sounds like something I want to be involved with.
“I’m still learning a lot and want to get more Premiership experience so I’m looking forward to doing that at Newcastle Falcons.
“I’ve played with Uili Kolo’ofai and although I’ve never played with Tane Takulua we know of each other from home. I’ve played with Richard Mayhew in New Zealand too though; he was about during my first season and really looked after me during that time, he’s a good guy.
“I’ve heard the north east is a great place to live and that there’s a lovely group of people up there so I’m looking forward to it, although I’m not too sure about the cold – after two years in London I still haven’t quite acclimatised to the UK weather yet."
