Quins sign Tongan international up

11:50am Friday 9th May 2008

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Quins have signed Tongan international Epi Taione from Super 14 side Natal Sharks.

Taione, who has played in the English Premiership for Newcastle and Sale Sharks, has since been playing for the Japanese side Sanyo Wild Knights.

He also played in Tonga's national team in last year's Rugby World Cup before joining Natal Sharks for their 2008 Super 14 campaign.

Weighing in at 120kg and standing at 1.93m tall, Taione is not only gifted with power and strength, he also combines it with speed and mobility.

Taione will be a valuable new asset to the Quins squad and joins us towards the end of July.

Director of Rugby, Dean Richards, said: "Epi is an extremely versatile player, capable of playing at the top level in the forwards, at six and eight, and also in the backs, at 11, 13 and 14.

"He is an extremely strong and powerful player, and his ability will serve us well.

"I am looking forward to welcoming him into the squad towards the end of July."