London Irish have secured the signing of Halanni Aulika on a two year deal from the start of the 2012-13 season. The Tongan prop has been capped five times for his country including playing the second half in the Tongan’s victory over eventual World Cup finalists France in the World Cup pool stages last year.
Aulika played for the Highlanders in last year’s Super Rugby campaign and played for Otago in New Zealand’s domestic tournaments. He brings experience of playing against the world’s best in the Super Rugby tournament and Exiles boss Toby Booth is excited by what his new acquisition can bring to his side.
Booth praised Aulika’s physical attributes describing him as “dynamic and a good athlete which enables him to carry very well” as well as praising the skills he will ahve picked up in his time in New Zealand. His New Zealand upbringing means he displays good set piece attributes which is what we need in the Northern Hemisphere”.
Aulika can play either tight head or loose head prop and will provide options in the Exiles pack next season.
Aulika has said his decision to join Irish was influenced by the similarities in the playing style of the Exiles and that which he has experienced in New Zealand. He describes his new club as playing “a very expansive style of rugby”. This is true and it is also the case that throughout New Zealand a more “expansive” game is encouraged.
He has also highlighted his desire to challenge of a new league and is relishing the opportunity to challenge himself against “some of the best players in Europe”. Irish currently sit eighth in the Premiership table and are in the mix for a Heineken Cup spot next year.
Aulika will no doubt be hoping his new side can make it into Europe’s elite competition next season, in order to challenge himself at the very highest level next year. With Aulika in the team, they might be worth a cheeky rugby bet online in the Heineken Cup next season.