Aviva Premiership
Newcastle interested in Kalamafoni
ESPNscrum Staff
January 4, 2011
Sione Kalamafoni takes on the Korea defence, Korea v Tonga, Rugby World Cup 2007 qualifier, Waitemata Rugby Club, Auckland, New Zealand, February 10, 2007
Sione Kalamafoni has attracted the interest of Newcastle © Getty Images
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Newcastle head coach Alan Tait has confirmed his interest in Nottingham's highly rated Tongan backrow Sione Kalamafoni.

The 22-year-old has been capped seven times for his country and captained them in last year's Pacific Nations. He joined Championship side Nottingham at the start of this season and Tait has been impressed with his performances.

"I've spoken to his agent in Australia, so he is a player we are looking at," Tait told the BBC. "Me and Paul [Moriarty] are going to travel down in the none-too-distant future to have a proper look at him."

Tait has former Championship players Luke Eves, Chris Pilgrim and Luke Fielden on his books at Kingston Park and continues to scour the league for new players. He is likely to move for Kalamafoni with a view to sign him for next season, but he faces competition.

"We've heard plenty of vibes about him, I speak to Lynn Howells at Doncaster about the Championship players, if he's seen anyone talented, and this kid is top of his shopping list," Tait added. "Howells said he's an outstanding prospect, but Leicester have already had him in their A team, so he's been spotted already by a few clubs. We'll have to put our hat in the ring like we did with Euan [Murray] and hope for the best."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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