Northampton Saints sign Kahn Fotuali’i
Since his arrival at the Liberty Stadium two seasons ago, the 30-year-old has become one of the most thought after player on the continent following a string of fine display in the Pro12 as well as the Heineken Cup.
Courted by Top14 sides such as Toulouse or Racing Metro, the Samoan, who can also play fly-half, was also on the radar of Munster, Bath and Saracens.
After Alex Corbisiero last week, his signing is another major coup on the transfer market for the Midlands club in their quest to remain one of the leading side in the Premiership.
Born in Auckland, Fotuali'i had been tipped for full All Blacks honours after making his mark in Super Rugby for the Canterbury Crusaders, for whom he played 28 times.
But instead Fotuali'i chose to represent Samoa, and after a man of the match performance in his 2010 debut he went on to play in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder said: “Kahn is a player who has attracted a lot of positive headlines and attention throughout his career.
“He has a superb set of skills and is a powerful and dynamic runner who will add to our options in one of the team's crucial positions.
“We're delighted that he has chosen to sign a long-term contract to play his rugby at Franklin's Gardens, and we're looking forward to welcoming him to the club in the summer.”
Meanwhile, Andrew Hore, Chief Operations Officer at the Ospreys, revealed the Welsh province made a “competitive” offer for Fotuali'i to stay but they weren't able to match the other offers.
He said: “We are obviously disappointed to lose a player of Kahn's quality. We made what we consider a very competitive offer to the player to retain his services, but unfortunately, he has advised us that his future lies elsewhere.
“Kahn was happy to stay here, but we were unable to match the salary available elsewhere, and we totally understand that it is only a short career and he needs to put his and his family's future first.
“When Kahn signed for us it was pretty much under the radar and he has thrived in our environment, playing the best rugby of his career this season which has led to the intense interest in his services.”
