Newcastle Falcons’ signing spree continues as ‘really significant’ arrival confirmed
Amanaki Mafi has signed for Newcastle Falcons.
Newcastle Falcons have continued their recruitment drive by announcing the signing of experienced Japan number eight Amanaki Mafi ahead of the new season.
The former Melbourne Rebels and Sunwolves star, who also had two spells in the Japan Rugby League One and time at Bath in England, has signed up to a one-year deal.
35-year-old Mafi is Tongan-born and played U20 level rugby for that country before he moved to Japan for university and spent five seasons playing for NTT Shining Arcs.
Japan form
It was while there he burst onto the international stage with Japan and went on to star for the Brave Blossoms in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, which was held in England.
Under the tutelage of then-head coach Eddie Jones, Japan beat South Africa in that famous 34-32 result in Brighton, a game that Mafi made a huge impact off the bench.
Japan would finish those pool stages with a record of three wins out of four but still missed out on making the last-eight, with the Springboks and Scotland going through.
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Mafi would also play in the 2019 Rugby World Cup on home soil, where they went one better than 2015, winning all four of their pool games before losing in the quarters.
Some six years later, he is now a Newcastle Falcons player and director of rugby Steve Diamond is excited by the impact his new arrival can make in the Prem this season.
“Amanaki is a big ball carrier with great footwork and an offloading game, and someone who will get our fans off their seats,” said Diamond who hailed his newest Falcon.
“He makes impacts in both attack and defence, he will bring others into the game and I see this as a really significant signing for us.”
Real honour
Speaking on his move, Mafi, who last played for Japan back in 2021, added: “It’s a real honour to join a club like Newcastle Falcons.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited for what lies ahead. I’m ready to work hard, learn, and do whatever I can to help the team.”
He is the latest player to sign since news of Red Bull’s proposed takeover of the club was leaked. He joins George McGuigan, Jamie Hodgson and Freddie Clarke in joining.
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