London Irish confirmed today that Samoa International Setaimata Sa will join up with the Exiles’ squad this week.
The former Catalan Dragons‘ star penned a three-year deal last year and will be available for London Irish for the remainder of this season having secured his UK Visa.
Despite a rugby union upbringing with the Canterbury Crusaders, Sa switched to rugby league in 2006 when he joined the Sydney Roosters and went on to win the Rugby League World Cup with New Zealand in 2008.
He then moved to the Perpignan-based Super League franchise Catalan Dragons in 2010 to make 39 appearances for the French side scoring 13 tries on the way.
Following his return to rugby union at the end of the Super League season back in September, he made his International debut for Samoa in their triumph over Canada last November.
London Irish Director of Rugby Brian Smith said: “It has been a long process but we a delighted that Sa can now join up with the squad. He is itching to be involved and the squad is looking forward to having him on board.
“Once he gets the hang of playing rugby union again there will be no better all round midfielder in the country.”