Aviva Premiership
Saints snap up Eagles lock Manoa
ESPNscrum Staff
April 14, 2011
Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder in relaxed mood, Northampton training session, Franklin's Gardens, Northampton, England, April 7, 2011
Saints boss Jim Mallinder has bolstered his forward options ahead of next season © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Samu Manoa
Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Northampton Saints have completed the signing of US Eagles forward Samu Manoa ahead of next season.

The 26-year-old, who made his international bow against Georgia last year, joins the Aviva Premiership club from San Francisco Golden Gate RFC in California who won the Rugby Super League crown in 2009 and were runners-up last year.

Manoa, who is equally at home in the back-row, has also played club rugby in New Zealand and last October scored the winning try for the Eagles in their win over Tonga 'A', his ancestral home, and followed that up with a score against Argentina Jaguars five days later.

Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder was delighted to secure the services of the 6ft 6in and 19st second row and believes he has the potential to impress next season. "We have been impressed by what we have seen of Samu," he said. "He is physical, has good ball skills and an outstanding turn of pace for a big man. He is also eager to make the most of his opportunity in England and wants to succeed in the Premiership. We're looking forward to seeing what he can do in the Saints environment."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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