English Premiership champions Harlequins signed Tonga international Viliami Taulani ^Featured

The 24-year-old loose forward featured twice for the Chiefs during this year's Super Rugby competition and is currently playing for Counties Manukau in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.

The Tonga-born utility made his test debut against the All Blacks last month and also played in Rugby World Cup qualifying games against Manu Samoa and the Cook Islands, where he spent time playing in the backrow and at lock.

"I'm stoked to be joining Harlequins, the 2020/21 Premiership Champions," he said.

"However, I am looking forward to meeting new teammates, developing my skills from a fantastic coaching setup, getting the chance to play in Premiership, and the opportunities that being part of Harlequins will bring for myself and my family."

Taulani is the only Pacific Island international in the Harlequins squad, which is coached by former New Zealand and Fiji international John Tabaiwalu Fakavale Matson.

"Quins are a world-famous team with a clear culture and identity. I'm excited to become part of that and put my best foot forward. I'm looking forward to working under Tabai Matson again, too. Tabai is a great coach and someone I know will help Quins to go to the next level."

"He has a great ability to put his team on the front foot and he is a guy that plays some abrasive rugby."

Harlequins have two pre-season matches in September before kicking off their Premiership title defence against Newcastle on 19 September.

- RNZI