Tuala inks new Northampton deal

Northampton have announced that full-back Ahsee Tuala has put pen to paper to remain at the Franklin’s Gardens outfit until 2020.

Tuala arrived at the Saints in February 2015 from New Zealand, and made his 50th appearance for the club earlier this term.

Originally arriving as injury cover for Ben Foden, the Samoan full-back made his presence felt at the club straight away, scoring on his debut against Wasps.

Since then the 28-year-old’s try-scoring ability has made him a Saints fan favourite, bringing the roof off the Gardens when he scored the winning try in last season’s Champions Cup play-off final against Stade Francais.

Tuala is delighted to have committed to the club for another two years.

“Since I first came to Northampton, the club have stuck with me and made me feel so welcome – both on and off the pitch,” he told Northampton’s website.

“Looking at the squad we’ve got and the environment we’re building, there wasn’t really a choice to make.

“I’m really happy to be staying.”

Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder added that he was thrilled to see the Samoan commit his future to the club.

He said: “We’re delighted to see Ace sign a new contract with the club.

“He’s a quality player who’s been very good for us over the last couple of years. He works hard in every aspect of his game and is a really good player to have around the club.

“No doubt he’ll have a lot more to give in his next two years with us.”