Latest NewsSamoan International Faosiliva Added To Squad
Sevens star joins Bristol Rugby after spell with Toulon
Bristol Rugby have secured another impressive signing, with the addition of Samoan Sevens star Alafoti Faosiliva.
The 26 year-old, who stands at 6’1’’ and weighs nearly 18 stone, can play at flanker or No. 8.
With ten full international caps under his belt, Faosiliva enjoyed a brief spell with Toulon following the 2011 Rugby World Cup, providing cover for the injured Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe.
Widely regarded as one of the strongest players on the sevens circuit, Faosiliva was nominated for the 2010 IRB International Sevens Player Of The Year.
“I’ve been watching Alafoti for a number of years now, having first encountered him on the IRB Sevens circuit,” said Head Coach Liam Middleton.
“Not only is he impressive in his athletic ability, but he struck me as a player that can have a significant impact on the game.
“Alafoti has become one of the most recognisable and most destructive players in the series.
“I followed his performances in Toulon last year and after watching him playing for Samoa in the Pacific Nations Cup, I was satisfied that he could make an equal, if not greater impact on the full version of the game.
“It was a straight forward decision for me to bring him to Bristol. I’m really pleased he has agreed to join us, he is a player with a point of difference and I think he will develop quickly in our environment.”
A close friend of Fautua Otto, the destructive back-rower has scored four times for Samoa since his debut versus Japan in 2006.
Faosiliva said: “I’m really pleased to be joining Bristol. I’ve heard a lot of great things about the Club from Fautua [Otto] and I’m excited about a new challenge.
“I want to make a big impression in the RFU Championship and I hope that I can do that with Bristol Rugby.”
