Tonga titan Semisi Taulava wants England call

Worcester No.8 Semisi Taulava has become the latest overseas star to declare his availability for England.
The giant Tongan has made a huge impact for the Warriors since joining from Rotherham, his gainline-busting style earning instant approval.
And having recently become England-qualified on residential grounds, 29-year-old Taulava has announced his mission to don a Red Rose jersey. “My English qualification is sorted and there’s big ambition there,” Taulava told The Rugby Paper.
“First things first, the aim is to give my all to Worcester and reach the Heineken Cup. But if any international recognition came my way, I’d grab it with both hands.
“At this stage I’ve declared myself to stay and play rugby in England and if there’s a chance, I wouldn’t think twice.
“I’ve had this opportunity to play in the Premiership and I want to see how far I can go. I want to play at the next level and give it a good crack.”
Were Taulava to interest the England, it would represent a remarkable chapter in the life of a player who once believed his career was over.
A serious neck injury sustained playing for New Zealand side Taranaki in early 2007 looked to have ended his playing days prematurely. But after fighting back to full health and then answering a call from English National Two outfit Worthing in 2009, he has taken huge strides.
Taulava said: “I had spinal cord problems and a bulging disc and didn’t play for nearly three years. But once I got my clearance in 2009, my wife and I decided to do some travelling and I ended up at Worthing.
“I was a very overweight No.8 but I played half a season and then went to Birmingham, after which I joined Andre Bester at Rotherham. I owe a lot to Andre – he’s a tough taskmaster but I kept my head down and he helped me with my career.
“I’ve been very lucky and I’m humbled by the opportunity of playing at Worcester.”
No contact has been made with England yet, but were Taulava offered the chance to dethrone Ben Morgan and Co they might just have a find.
“I’m not looking too far ahead because being an international is a totally different kettle of fish, but hopefully I can push on,” said Taulava. “If we do well at Worcester and anything comes of that, I’d do my utmost to take advantage of any opportunities I get.
“I’m riding a bit of luck with what I’ve gone through after my big break, so hopefully Lady Luck’s still on my side and I can go all the way.”
NEALE HARVEY