Tuitavake hails new team-mate Francis

Northampton centre Nafi Tuitavake has backed fly-half Piers Francis to make a big impression in the Premiership following his move from Super Rugby side the Blues.

Gravesend-born Francis left for New Zealand when he was 18 and played for Auckland and Waikato before returning to the UK in 2012 to sign with Edinburgh.

He then went back to New Zealand to play for the Blues where he impressed to the extent he was called up to the England national side.

The 27-year-old won his first two Test caps during England's June tour of Argentina before heading to the Saints. 

The skilful pivot slotted five conversions in the Saints' pre-season friendly win over the Dragons last weekend.

And team-mate Tuitavake, who is the younger brother of former All Black Anthony, believes Francis brings a lethal combination of Premiership grunt and Super Rugby flair and is constantly improving.

"He can only get better because he's talented," Tuitavake told the Northampton Chronicle and Echo.

"He's played a lot of footy and just coming away from that England squad campaign he's got a lot of experience and he's someone who is fresh.

"Because he's been here before he went to Super Rugby (Francis has previously played for Edinburgh and Doncaster), he knows the style here in the UK and he's familiar with the Super style so he can pick and choose what he brings to the team."

Tuitavake is now into his second season, having moved to the club from French second division side Narbonne last September.

But he is now fully settled in Northampton, having enjoyed a strong second half of the previous season which included the European Rugby play-off cup final win over Stade Francais which secured the Saints' passage to European Cup rugby this season.

"I do feel really settled now I've had a season under my belt," said the 28-year-old. "I'm comfortable with the boys and I really feel at home so it's nice."