Warriors sign USA prop

Editor

Worcester Warriors have signed USA international Joe Taufete'e till the end of the season.

The 24-year-old front-row, who can play at prop or hooker, joins up with his new teammates immediately. 

Taufete'e, who used to play American Football, made the switch to rugby in 2011. 

The USA player made his international debut against South Africa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup and has gone on to make nine appearances for the Eagles, scoring three tries. 

His latest try came just last month as USA were edged 20-17 by Tonga in Spain. 

Taufete'e formerly played his rugby at Belmont Shore RFC in California, USA and also with Otorohanga RFC in Waikato, New Zealand before earning a professional contract at USA PRO Rugby's San Diego Breakers. 

Taufete'e also captained the USA Rugby Selects at the Americas Pacific Challenge developmental tournament in Uruguay earlier this year.

Warriors head coach Carl Hogg said he was excited about the physicality that the front-rower will bring to his side.

"Joe is a hungry young forward with a lot of potential," Hogg told the Worcester Warriors website.

"He is a big, strong ball-carrier which will allow us to get on the front foot in matches so we're looking forward to working with him and helping him try and reach the top of his game."

Taufete'e added: "I've always wanted to play rugby overseas and I'm genuinely excited about the prospect of playing Premiership Rugby. 

"I've heard great things about the Club from Jackson Willison, whom I used to play alongside at Otorohanga and I can't wait to meet the rest of the guys."