European Rugby round-up: Manoa joins Cardiff, Fainga'a to Connacht, Morgan links with Ospreys

Alex Broun 00:50 17/07/2018
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Samu Manoa in action for the USA Eagles

    With the kick-off of the northen hemisphere season just six weeks away we look at the latest signings…

    Cardiff Blues sign powerhouse USA back-row forward Samu Manoa from Toulon

    The 33-year-old loose forward bolsters Cardiff’s ranks again, following the acquisitions of Dmitri Arhip and Jason Harries.

    Manoa made his name with four seasons at Northampton, before switching to French giants Toulon in 2015.

    New Blues head coach John Mulvihill expects Manoa’s arrival to ease the ball-carrying burden on fellow bruising back-rower Nick Williams.

    “This is another significant signal of intent as we build towards the new season and a return to the European Champions Cup,” said Mulvihill.

    “Samu is a big, physical man, who will compete with Nick Williams for the number eight jersey and bring an abundance of experience to our pack.

    “I’m really looking forward to the next chapter and getting stuck in at Cardiff Blues,” said Manoa.

    “They had a great season last year, winning the European Challenge Cup and sealing a return to the Champions Cup, so it is a great time to join.

    “I have spoken to both John and Blaine (Scully, former Cardiff Blues player) at length, and have heard nothing but good things about the set-up at Cardiff Blues, the city itself and the region.”

    Connacht secure signing of back row Colby Fainga’a from the Melbourne Rebels

    The 27-year-old made his Super Rugby debut playing for the Brumbies when Andy Friend, now Head Coach at Connacht, was their Head Coach in 2010 and went on to play every game for the club in the 2011 season.

    In 2014 Fainga’a joined the Rebels and in his first season was awarded the highest honour in the club when he was named the Players’ Player of the year.

    The versatile back row has gone on to make 100 Super Rugby appearances, the latest coming in the Rebels clash with the Reds last weekend.

    At international level, Fainga’a captained the Australian Under 20s side in 2011 and made 7 appearances that season.

    “When I was Head Coach at the Brumbies, Colby signed his first professional contract with the club, so I have an in-depth knowledge of the qualities he brings,” said Friend.

    “With 100 Super Rugby appearances under his belt, Colby brings massive experience. In addition to his versatility on the field he has a fantastic attitude off it and will be a big addition to Connacht in the seasons ahead.”

    Wales Sevens star Luke Morgan to link up with Ospreys after RWC Sevens

    The 26-year-old from Bridgend is Wales’ leading try- and points – scorer of all time in Sevens, and ended the 2017/18 World Rugby Sevens Series second in most tries scored (44) – with only the USA’s Carlin Isles touching down on more occasions (49) across the campaign.

    Morgan, who came through the development pathway at the Ospreys and played one senior game for his home region as a teenager, follows former Wales Sevens teammate Sam Cross, who joined the Liberty Stadium based region last pre-season, with Cross’ move being made permanent in March.

    Head coach Gareth Williams says the agreement with Ospreys is another example of the good relationship between the sevens programme and regional rugby, and how sevens aids player development as a part of the pathway.

    “This is a great opportunity for Luke following his achievements on the World Series,” says Williams. “It’s another good example of what the programme can achieve in bringing players through during those formative years post-Academy.

    Centre Dries Swanepoel joins the Cheetahs on a two year contract

    In the same way as Grey College school mates and Cheetah stalwarts, Francois Venter and William Small-Smith, Swanepoel joined the Blue Bulls after matric. He played for their U19 team in 2012.

    He received a call-up to the SA U20 side for the 2013 IRB Junior World Championship and scored five tries in 14 appearances for the Blue Bulls U21 side.

    He made his Currie Cup debut for the Blue Bulls in 2014 and represented the side in their Vodacom Cup, Currie Cup and Super Rugby campaigns.

    The former Grey College pupil represented the Free State at the 2009 Grant Khomo Week and at the Coca-Cola Cravenweek for U18’s in 2011, and was vice-captain of the SA School’s side that same year. He played for UP Tuks during the 2014 Vasity Cup scoring six tries in six starts.

    Swanepoel had a small taste of the PRO14 when he joined Munster in April this year on a short term loan as cover for injuries at the Irish club.

    Recommended