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Nili Latu signs new contract with Newcastle Falcons
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The Tonga captain was already contracted for next season but has committed for even longer
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Newcastle ends their Aviva Premiership campaign against Sale at Kingston Park on Saturday
Nili Latu has handed a major boost to Newcastle Falcons by signing a new extended deal to remain in the North East at Kingston Park.
The Tonga captain, who has won 43 caps for his country, was already contracted for next season but has committed for even longer, saying: “It was an absolute no-brainer. I have loved my first season with the Falcons, the fans have been awesome, I love the city and we have a great squad here.
“I am enjoying my time here and would like to stay longer. The team and the club has been great, I was keen to commit and it is great to have it all sorted.
“I feel we have an outstanding captain in Will Welch, some great senior players around him and it just makes it so easy when you have that in place. We can just focus on playing rugby because the set-up is so good, and I want to be part of something at a club with great history like this. It was a very simple decision.”
Head coach John Wells spoke of his delight at Latu’s new deal, saying of the back-row forward: “Nili has been a fantastic presence.
“He does things his way which means we have to compromise a little bit in some areas, and so does he. But the intensity he brings to a game, his winning mentality and the physicality he shows has been a breath of fresh air. It has helped a lot of the other guys and given them a bit of a kick.
“He doesn’t have to say much, he does everything by his actions and it is an endorsement of the club that a guy of his quality is committing himself here. It is fantastic news, he has had a great first season and I am sure we will get more out of him next season, as well as Nili getting even more out of the people around him.”